ENHANCED VISION Merlin elite User manual

User Manual

The Merlin elite is a fully integrated solution, offering the advantage
of a built-in HD LCD screen and OCR. Merlin elite 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 elite
also includes 3 different preset viewing combinations for both text
and background to provide improved viewing when reading. An
additional 28 text and background combinations are available and
can be programmed. With easy-to-use buttons, you can enlarge
or reduce the image in seconds, change viewing modes for easier
visibility.
Prior to using this system, please carefully read and follow the
instructions provided within this booklet. Your Merlin elite is ready
to use right out of the box. By reviewing all Merlin elite features and
controls before use and following the directions carefully, you’ll be
able to enjoy all the great benets 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
elite.
Congratulations on your purchase of the Merlin elite HD Magnier
with OCR from Enhanced Vision. The Merlin elite is a full-color
High-Denition HD, auto-focus video magnier system designed
to enhance the lifestyle of the visually impaired. With the LCD
monitor’s adjustable arm, Merlin elite can provide the user with the
ultimate exibility in the position of the screen making reading easier
than ever.

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.
Unauthorized changes or modication to this system can void the
user’s authority to operate this equipment.
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.
FCC COMPLIANCE NOTICE
FCC Compliance Notice

Table of Contents
Safety and Care ............................................ 5-9
Merlin elite at a Glance ................................... 10-11
Setting Up Merlin elite ................................... 12-13
Button Denitions ....................................... 14-15
Using the Control Console .................................. 16
Using the X-Y Table ......................................... 17
Tips for Reading and Writing ............................... 18
Changing Magnication ..................................... 19
Changing Viewing Mode ................................ 20-22
Adjusting Brightness & White Balance .................... 23
Using and Adjusting Markers ............................24-25
Volume Adjustment & VGA Toggle ..........................26
OCR/Text-To-Speech Mode ...............................27-29
Saving, Recalling, & Deleting Images ................... 30-31
Screen Saver ............................................... 32
Language Settings/Product Info ......................... 33-34
Troubleshooting & Firmware Update .................... 35-36
Merlin elite Specications ...................................37
Warranty Statement ......................................... 38

5
Safety and Care
SAFETY AND CARE
For your safety and to obtain the most benet from the Merlin elite, please
read these safety precautions very carefully.
The Merlin elite is designed to enlarge and enhance images and read
print aloud in order to improve the quality of life for people who are
visually impaired. The extent to which this product can improve the ability
to see images depends on a person’s individual condition and level of
visual impairment.
The Merlin elite is not designed to restore vision, correct eye conditions
or halt degenerative vision loss. An eye care professional can determine
the usefulness and suitability of the Merlin elite for a patient’s individual
condition.
Precautions for Use
• Follow all warnings, cautions, and instructions marked on the product.
• Use the Merlin elite on a stable, level surface such as a solid desk or
table, according to its intended design specications.
• Avoid placing the Merlin elite 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 elite indoors only – it should NOT be exposed to
extreme or rapid changes in temperature or humidity. Do not place
the Merlin elite 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 elite 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 nor required.
• Do not use the Merlin elite near ammable materials or liquids.

6
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 elite in, near or around water. The Merlin elite is not
designed to offer protection against contact with liquids of any kind.
• Use only the power supply provided with your Merlin elite. Using
unauthorized power supplies may cause serious damage to Merlin elite’s
electronic components.
• Using any other power supply than the one provided by Enhanced Vision
for the Merlin elite will void the warranty.
• Always place the power cord away from trafc areas to avoid damage of
power supply.
• 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 elite, do not make
connections other than those shown in the photo below.
Safety and Care
!Caution
Specied Input
Connections Only!

7
Additional Mechanical Safety Precautions
Your Merlin elite contains moving parts. Please use caution
when moving the X-Y table, adjusting the LCD monitor arm,
or when transporting the Merlin elite to avoid possible injury to
hands and ngers.
Safety and Care
!Caution
Moving Parts!

8Safety and Care
To Move Merlin elite to Another Location
• Use caution if you are repositioning the Merlin elite 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 the unit 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 elite
• Always turn the power OFF (by holding the Power button for 5
seconds) on the Merlin elite when the system is not in use.
• Pressing the Power button on the Front Panel, right side, of
the Merlin elite for less than 5 seconds will put the device
in Standby. Pressing the Power button again will wake the
Merlin elite up from Standby.
• Always turn the power OFF (by holding the Power button for 5
seconds) before cleaning the Merlin-elite.
• Clean the Merlin elite with a soft dry cloth or an electrostatic
dusting wipe. DO NOT use liquid cleaners on its plastic surfaces.
• The protective glass covering the camera can be cleaned as
needed with the lens cloth provided within the packaging of the
Merlin elite.

9
Safety and Care
Susceptibility to Interference:
There may be temporary degradation of the image when the Merlin
elite is subjected to a strong radio frequency eld, electro-static
discharge or transient electrical noise. An electro-static discharge
(caused by static electricity) may cause the screen to go blank. If
this happens, disconnect the AC power from the electrical outlet,
wait 30 seconds, and connect the AC power again.
Compliance Warnings:
• Electromagnetic compatibility: The use of accessories and cables
other than those specied by Enhanced Vision may result in
increased emissions or decreased immunity of the Merlin elite.
• Placement of equipment: The Merlin elite should not be used
adjacent to or stacked with other equipment.
Product enhancements and revisions are an integral part of
what we do here at Enhanced Vision. Please visit - http://www.
enhancedvision.com/low-vision-product-line.html and select
your Enhanced Vision Product. You will nd the most up-to-
date version of the User Manual at the bottom of the page.

10 Merlin elite at a Glance
MERLIN elite AT A GLANCE
Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the
components of your Merlin elite:
1. 24” LCD Screen: displays high quality image
2. Power button
3. Zoom Wheel ((Size (Magnication) dial)) – ‘FIND’ key in center
4. Viewing Mode button
5. LCD Monitor Arm
6. ‘Service port’ cable (Used for Firmware Upgrade ONLY!)
7. X-Y table
8. X-Y table locking lever
9. Recessed handles for carrying Merlin elite
10. Merlin elite 19V power supply
11. Merlin elite Power Cord (Attaches to 19v Power Supply)
(power cord style may vary based upon country)
12. 3.5mm jack for Headphones
Accessories included:
13. Control Console: allows the user to control the Merlin elite
functions
*Must be plugged in to use and have access to the menu
items for OCR/Text-To-Speech
14. Merlin elite Firmware Update cable
15. Lens Cloth: permits cleaning of the LCD display and
lenses

11
Merlin elite at a Glance
8
2
1
10
9
9
7
3
4
5
6
15
14
11
12
13

12 Setting Up Merlin elite
1. Find a steady and level location,
such as a table or desk, where you
will be comfortable using Merlin elite.
Carry the Merlin elite 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 Control Console cord
(See Page 10 Item 13) to the USB
port at the back, left side (facing the
back), of the Merlin elite base (See
Figure 2).
3. Connect the power cord to the power
supply (See Figure 3). Connect the
power cord to an available electrical
outlet (See Figure 4). Connect the
other end of the power supply to
the Merlin elite where it is labeled
“19VDC” (See Figure 2).
To offer additional protection during an
electrical storm, a surge protector may
also be used and is recommended.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
SETTING UP THE MERLIN elite

13
Setting Up Merlin elite
If the lights on the Power, Zoom Wheel and Mode buttons do not
illuminate, or if an image does not appear on the HD LCD monitor,
please check the power supply connections (review steps 2-3 on
page 12 for details).
Pressing the Power button on the Front Panel, right side, of the
Merlin elite for less than 5 seconds will put the device in Standby.
Pressing the Power button again will wake the Merlin elite up from
Standby.
To turn the Merlin elite off, press and hold the Power Button for
more than 5 seconds or until “Merlin elite HD/OCR” appears on the
screen.
NOTE: The Merlin elite turns ON by default upon plugging it
into an electrical outlet the rst time.

14 Button Denitions
CONTROL CONSOLE
See Page 15 for detailed descriptions
3
1
4
8 7
9
6
5
10
2

15
BUTTON DEFINITIONS & COMBINATIONS
Button Denitions
Button Combinations
Throughout the User Manual there will be ‘button combinations’
(ie.Press the “Find” and “Mode” buttons). This indicates that the
buttons should be pressed simultaneously.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

16 Using the Control Console
Turning Lights On/Off (toggle)
To turn the Merlin elite lights On/Off:
Press and hold the “Marker” button for more than 5 seconds
***Note: The Merlin elite lights will automatically turn on when it is
rst powered on ***
Control Console LED Backlight
To toggle the LED Backlight On/Off on the Merlin elite Control
Console:
1. Press the “Power” button on the Merlin elite Front Panel for less
than 5 seconds to enter ‘standby’ mode.
2. Press and hold the “Find” button, then press and release the
“Power” button on the Front Panel (this brings the LCD out of
‘standby’ mode).
3. Continue to hold the “Find” button until the Blue LED lights up on
the upper right corner of the Control Console. Once the blue LED
is lit, release the “Find” button.
NOTE: If your Merlin elite is plugged into a power strip/surge
protector, make sure the power switch is turned on before
attempting to turn on Merlin elite. 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 elite.

17
USING X-Y TABLE
Using X-Y Table
Locking the X-Y Table
To lock the X-Y table, pull the lever all the way to the front position until it locks
(A). Unlock the X-Y table by pushing the lever to the back position (B).
Using the Locking Lever:
Placing the locking lever in the ‘locked’ position is primarily used when you want
to move or transport the Merlin elite to a new location.
Placing the locking lever in the
‘unlocked ‘ position allows for full movement of the X-Y table for activities such
as reading.
Placing the locking lever between ‘locked’ and ‘unlocked’ (Intermediate lock) can
be used for tasks such as writing, hobbies, etc...
Reading With the X-Y Table
1. With the X-Y table unlocked, place a book, newspaper, etc., on the table.
2. Use the magnication dial to enlarge the image to a comfortable viewing size.
3. Glide the X-Y table to the left, which will make the words ow 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

18 Tips for Reading and Writing
TIPS FOR READING AND WRITING
Reading with Merlin elite
• New users of video magnier 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.
Writing with Merlin elite
• Beginners should start at smaller magnication sizes, and then
increase magnication as they become more comfortable using
Merlin elite for writing.
• The smaller the magnication size the bigger you tend to write;
the higher the magnication 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 ne point marker, for easier visibility.
• It might be helpful to use lined paper to more easily nd 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.

19
Changing Magnication
CHANGING MAGNIFICATION
Figure 1 Figure 2
The Merlin elite offers a large range of magnification capabilities.
The following directions can be used with the Merlin elite Front Panel
Controls (See Figure 1) or Control Console (See Figure 2).
1. To adjust the magnification turn the “Zoom Wheel” located on the
Front Panel or Control Console until you reach your desired
magnification. Turning the wheel clockwise will increase magnification
and turning the wheel counter-clockwise will decrease magnification.
2. The Zoom Level will appear in the upper right corner of your
monitor when you are increasing or decreasing magnification. “Max
Zoom,” will appear at the maximum magnification and “Min Zoom,”
will appear at the minimum magnification.
NOTE: The extent of the magnification is dependent upon the distance
of the Camera to the object.

20 Changing Viewing Modes
CHANGING VIEWING MODES
Changing Viewing Modes
CHANGING VIEWING MODES
The Merlin elite was designed to provide optimum viewing for people
with certain visual conditions by offering a range of choices in both text
and background colors.
Use the Mode key located on the Front Panel and Control Console to
toggle between full color viewing, Black and White, Enhanced Positive,
Enhanced Negative, and up to 5 of your favorite color select modes.
Each push will allow you to cycle through all seven viewing modes. The
5 favorite color select modes can be modified to any of the 28 color
select options by following the instructions provided on page 20.
Full Color Image (default)
This mode gives a true color representation of the image being magnified.
Black-and-White Image
This mode gives a black and white representation of the image
being magnified.
Enhanced-Positive Image
This mode provides a white background with black
text. It increases the contrast to offer crisp text
images for reading.
Enhanced-Negative Image
This mode provides a black background with white
text. It increases the contrast to offer crisp text images
for reading.
Crisp, Clear
Text Images!
Crisp, Clear
Text Images!
Enhanced Positive
Enhanced Negative
VIEWING MODES