Unique Perspectives HouseMate User manual

User Manual August 2011
©Unique Perspectives www.click2go.ie Page 1 of 35
Switch accessible infra-red remote control
with auditory feedback and scanning
Features:-
Records infra-red commands from other remote controls.
Can be used to control TV, Hi-Fi, Lights, Sockets, Door opener etc.
High quality auditory feedback using recorded speech.
3.5mm sockets for single switch, short click and two switch scanning
Programmable scanning options to suit user needs.
Bright LED display with slide-in pocket for custom made labels
Battery powered, easy to mount, attractive robust enclosure.
Important Notes:
1. Read this manual carefully before installing or operating your HouseMate.
2. Due to continuos product improvement Unique Perspectives reserves the right to update this Manual.
This Manual supersedes all previous issues which must not continue to be used.
3. Any attempt to gain access to or in any way abuse the electronic components of the HouseMate
renders the manufacturer’s warranty void and the Manufacturer free from liability.

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Contents
Page
1.
Specifications
3
2.
Introduction
4
3.
Basic User Operation
3.1 Getting Started
3.2 Scanning Styles
3.3 Changing the batteries
6
6
7
9
4.
Program Mode
4.1 Selecting Program Mode
10
10
5.
Recording Infra-red commands
5.1 Recording an InfraRed command
5.2 Recording a series of InfraRed commands (Macro)
5.3 Recording an “OK” command
5.4 Recording commands on Level 2
11
11
12
13
15
6.
Recording Auditory Prompts
6.1 Recording Button Prompts
6.2 Recording Level Prompts
16
16
17
7.
HouseMate Settings
7.1 Choosing a Scanning Method
7.2 Setting the Scanning Speed
7.3 Choosing a Scanning Style
7.4 Skipping empty Buttons
7.5 Selecting the type of Auditory Feedback
7.6 Adjusting the Switch Acceptance Time
7.7 Enabling the Volume Control
7.8 Opening Level 2
19
20
21
22
23
23
24
26
27
8.
Resetting HouseMate
8.1 Resetting a single Button
8.2 Resetting everything
29
29
29
9.
Maintenance
31
10.
Safety and Misuse Warnings
32
11.
Warranty & Sales and Service Information
33
12.
Appendix A: Blank Labels
34

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1 Specifications
Electrical
Power Supply
3 x 1.5V AA batteries
Quiescent Current
30mA
Mechanical
Weight
Approx. 500grams
Case material
Black ABS plastic.
Environmental
Min
Max
Units
Operating ambient temperature range
-25
50
ºC
Storage temperature range
-25
70
ºC
Operating and storage humidity
0
90
%RH
The HouseMate is not designed for outdoor use.
Intended Use
The HouseMate is an Infra-red remote control designed to enable those
individuals who cannot use a standard remote control the ability to operate
entertainment equipment and environmental control equipment in their home or
place of work/study.
The HouseMate is for indoor use only.
The HouseMate can be operated directly or by connecting an appropriate switch.

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2Introduction
HouseMate
HouseMate is a switch accessible Infra-red remote control with auditory feedback
using recorded speech. It is practical and easy to use and can be operated by
external switches or directly by pressing the keypad buttons.
HouseMate can be used to control the Television, Hi-Fi, Video as well as
environmental control functions such as lights, sockets, curtain openers etc
(provided they have been previously fitted and can be controlled by Infra-red).
Infra-red commands from other remote controls can be recorded on each
of the 10 keypad buttons. Additional commands can be recorded by
enabling a second level .
It is possible to record a series of commands on each button. Each series
can be up to 20 seconds long and stops when the user presses their
switch. This is very useful for scanning television channels or adjusting the
volume.
The built in microphone and speaker deliver good quality speech output in
scanning mode with 5 seconds record time per command.
3.5mm jack sockets for single switch scanning and two switch scanning. A
number of scanning options can be changed in program mode.
Bright LED display with slide-in pocket for keypad label.
A „lite‟ version uses auditory beeps rather than recorded speech.
Easy to mount using a circular plate (TA66130 or similar) and suitable
mounting bracket.
Attractive robust enclosure. Size: 170mm x 75mm x 25mm. Buttons:
18mm x 18mm
Runs on 3 x AA batteries (not provided).

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Infra-red signal indicator.
Illuminates when
transmitting or recording
an Infra-red signal.
Low battery indicator.
Illuminates when battery
is low and needs to be
changed.
Programming Indicator.
Illuminates when in
program mode.
Button indicator.
Illuminates during
scanning or when the
button is pressed.
Microphone Input.
Condenser microphone
for recording audio
prompts.
Loudspeaker.
For playback of recorded
messages, prompts and
system sounds.
Infra-Red output.
Powerful IR output
ensures that user does not
have to point the device.
Switch 2 input.
Step switch in two switch
scanning mode or changes
level.
Switch 1 input.
Switch input for scanning
modes and select switch
in two switch mode.
Buttons.
10 light action buttons for
easy direct access.
Label Insert.
Lift up flap to insert a
custom designed label.
Volume Button
If required, button 9 can
be used to adjust the
volume of the speaker.
Level Button.
If required, button 0 can
be used to change the
level. There can be 2
levels.
Program Button.
Used in combination with
other buttons to enter
and exit program mode.

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3Basic User Operation
HouseMate is designed primarily for switch users and is intended to be operated
by one or two suitable external switches. How a user operates their device will
depend on the number of switches they are using, the scanning method, the
scanning style and other settings that have been chosen.
Since each setup can be quite different this chapter only gives a general
description of how to use HouseMate. For further details read the HouseMate
Settings chapter further on in this manual.
3.1 Getting Started
STEP 1: Connect your switches
The switch connectors are standard 3.5mm jack sockets located at the bottom of
the unit. The socket on the right is switch 1, the socket on the left is switch 2.
STEP 2: Start scanning
How you operate HouseMate depends on which scanning method has been
selected. There are four different scanning methods:
Automatic Scanning
This is a single switch mode in which the buttons of HouseMate are scanned
automatically. Press Switch 1 to start the scanning and then press it again when
the desired button lights up or when you hear the desired auditory prompt.
Short Click Scanning
In this mode make short clicks of Switch 1 to advance the scan. To make a
selection press and hold Switch 1 for a short time. Although this mode involves
Switch 2 input
Switch 1 input

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more switch activity it gives you control over both the scanning and the selection
from one switch.
Two Switch Scanning
Two switch scanning or step scanning uses two external switches. Switch 2 is
used to manually advance the scan and select the desired button. Switch 1 is
used to activate the command on that button.
Direct Access
Direct access is not strictly a scanning mode and is provided for simple setups,
demonstrations and assessments. In this mode Switch 1 activates the Infra-red
command on Button 1 and plays back it‟s the auditory prompt. Likewise, Switch 2
activates the Infra-red command on Button 2 and plays back it‟s auditory prompt.
STEP 3: Make a Selection
When you have scanned to the button you want press Switch 1 to transmit the
InfraRed code stored on that button (in Short Click scanning mode you must
press and hold Switch 1).
If there is an InfraRed code stored on the button you have chosen it will be
transmitted. As the code is being transmitted notice how both the button light and
the light illuminate.
If a long sequence of InfraRed codes was recorded on the button, for example a
series of program up commands, pressing your switch a second time will stop the
transmission, and, if an “OK” code was recorded it will be transmitted now. Long
sequences and “OK” codes are very useful features that allow you, for example,
to select a channel on your Sky box with only two presses of your switch (see
page 12 for further details on how to record long sequences and “OK” codes).
When the InfraRed code has stopped being transmitted the light will go out.
Pressing your switch again will restart the scanning so that you can select
another function.
3.2 Scanning Styles
When you are scanning, the lights of the HouseMate buttons will light up in a
particular sequence. The order in which they light up depends upon what
scanning style has been selected.

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The Scanning Style can also be called the scanning pattern. There are 6 different
scanning styles or patterns possible within HouseMate.
For details on how to choose the scanning style see page 22.
Linear XY
This is the standard Scanning Style. The scan advances sequentially from 1 to 2
to 3 and so on. When the scan reaches the 10th button, Button 0, it restarts from
Button 1. If no switch is pressed after two complete scans HouseMate stops
scanning.
Linear XY
In this style the scan advances down the left hand buttons first and then down
the right hand buttons. 1 to 3 to 5 to 7 to 9 and then 2 to 4 to 6 to 8 to 0.
Linear Sideways
This style is useful if you intend to operate HouseMate on its side. The scan
advances along the top row from left to right and then along the bottom row form
left to right. 2 to 4 to 6 to 8 to 0 and then 1 to 3 to 5 to 7 to 9.
Row Column
In this style the buttons of HouseMate are scanned two at a time or row by row.
Pressing the switch selects the desired row. Then the buttons within the row are
scanned one by one. Press the switch again to select the desired button.
This style enables you to quickly reach the desired command. Although it is
possible to have auditory clicks for each row it is not possible to have auditory
prompts.
Column Row
In this style the buttons of HouseMate are scanned five at a time or column by
column. Pressing the switch selects the desired column. Then the buttons within
the column are scanned one by one. Press the switch again to select the desired
button.
As before, this style enables you to quickly reach the desired command.
Although it is possible to have auditory clicks for each column it is not possible to
have auditory prompts.
Row Column Sideways
This style is useful if you intend to operate HouseMate on its side . In this style
the buttons of HouseMate are scanned two at a time from left to right. Pressing
the switch selects the desired column. Then the buttons within the column are
scanned one by one. Press the switch again to select the desired button.

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3.3 Changing the batteries
HouseMate runs on 3 x AA internal batteries. When the batteries are running low
the light will illuminate. The InfraRed codes and Prompts are stored on a non-
removable SD flash memory so there is no danger of losing any information if the
batteries run out or when you are replacing the batteries.
To change the batteries
1. Remove the 2 screws on the back of the unit and gently open the back-cover
by lifting it up from the left hand side as if it were hinged on the right hand
side. Exercise care and do not apply excessive force.
2. Remove the batteries from the case taking care not to touch the HouseMate
circuit board.
3. Insert the new batteries according to the diagram on the inside of the casing.
The negative battery terminal should be against the spring.
4. Replace the back-cover by lining up the slots on the right and side and then
gently closing over the cover over onto the left hand side.
5. Screw the back-cover in place with the 2 screws removed earlier.
6. Check that HouseMate is functioning by pressing any key.
HouseMate viewed with the back-cover slightly open on the left hand side. Note how the cover is
hinged on the right hand side. Always open the cover from the left hand side.

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4Program Mode
When you receive HouseMate it will have no Infra-red codes and no prompts
recorded in it. All the settings will be set to their default values. To get started you
will need the Infra-red controls of the devices you want to control.
To record an Infra-red code, record a prompt or adjust a setting you must select
program mode first.
4.1 Selecting Program Mode
To select program mode:
1. With one hand press and hold button 1 and button 2 at the same time.
2. With the other hand press and hold the button until all the lights come on.
3. Release all 3 buttons. All the lights will start to flash.
4. What happens next depend upon what button you press.
Tip: You can exit program mode at any stage by pressing the button. When you are
programming, if you are unsure of the next step, simply press the button and start again.
Record a Prompt
Skip Enable/Disable
Switch Acceptance Time
Scanning Style
Level Two
Record an Infra-red command
Scanning Speed
Auditory Feedback
Scanning Method
Volume Control

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5Recording Infra-red commands
Before you start make sure that you have the Infra-red controls of the devices
you want to control and that they have new batteries.
Position the Infra-red control facing into the top of the HouseMate as in the
picture below at least one foot apart.
Warning: Some fluorescent lights emit Infra-red radiation. When you are recording Infra-red
codes be sure that you are not directly under fluorescent lighting.
5.1 Recording an InfraRed command
To record a single Infra-red command.
1. Select program mode and then press Button 1. (see page 10)
2. Button 1 and 2 should be flashing. Press Button 1 a second time. This selects
single command record mode.
3. The symbol should be flashing.
4. Press a button on the Infra-red control and notice how the symbol
illuminates. This indicates that the HouseMate is receiving the Infra-red
command from the Infra-red control. If the symbol does not light up check
the batteries in both units.
Note that you have not recorded anything in this step.
5. To record an Infra-red command press and hold the HouseMate button you
want to record onto. You will notice that the symbol starts flashing faster.
6. Continue holding and then press the button on the Infra-red control whose
command you want to record. You should see the symbol and the
symbol light up at the same time.

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In this mode the low battery indicator, , is used to indicate that recording is
in progress.
7. Now, let go the button on the Infra-red control followed by the button on the
HouseMate.
8. Repeat this procedure a second time from step 5 for confirmation.
9. You can now leave program mode by pressing the button. The symbol
should stop flashing.
10.Now, test the button you just recorded on by pressing it. You should see the
symbol illuminate. This indicates that the Infra-red command is being
transmitted. Confirm that the device receiving the command (i.e. the TV, DVD
etc) operates as expected (i.e. Volume Up, Program + etc).
Tip: You can record an Infra-red command for more than one button before leaving program
mode. When you have finished step 8 above repeat from step 5 for the next button you want to
record on.
Note: HouseMate switches itself off after 1 minute if no buttons are pressed. If auditory feedback
is enabled you will hear the power-off sound.
5.2 Recording a series of InfraRed commands (Macro)
To record a series of Infra-red commands or Macro.
HouseMate allows you to record a series of Infra-red commands on a single
button. HouseMate records in real-time meaning that the Infra-red commands
and the pauses in-between them are recorded into memory. Each button has 20
seconds record time and this makes it possible to create long sequences of
commands.
A good use of this feature is to record a series of Volume Up commands. When
the user presses the button, or selects it in a scanning mode, HouseMate begins
transmitting the sequence of Volume Up commands. The user can stop the
sequence by pressing the button or switch a second time.
1. Select program mode and then press Button 1. (see page 10)
2. Button 1 and 2 should be flashing. Now press Button 2. This selects
macro record mode.

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3. The symbol should be flashing.
4. Press and hold the HouseMate button you want to record onto. Notice that
the symbol starts flashing faster.
5. Continue holding and then press, one after the other, the buttons on the
Infra-red control whose commands you want to record.
The symbol will light up when the first command is received and then the
symbol will light up every time you press a button on the Infra-red
control.
In this mode the low battery indicator, , is used to indicate that recording
is in progress.
6. When you have finished the series let go the button on HouseMate and
then press the button to exit program mode.
7. As before, test the button you just recorded on by pressing it. You should
see the symbol illuminate. Confirm that the device receiving the
command (i.e. the TV, DVD etc) operates as expected (i.e. Volume Up,
Program + etc).
8. To stop the series press the button a second time. The symbol should
go out.
Tip: Before you record a sequence of commands try it out on the original remote first so that you
can determine the pace at which you should press the buttons.
5.3 Recording an “OK” command.
To record a series of Infra-red commands followed by an “OK”command.
Often, after transmitting a series of commands, the next command a user would
like to transmit is an OK or SELECT command. A good example would be a
series of PROGRAM+ commands. In this case what the user wants to happen
when they press their switch is not only to stop the PROGRAM+ series but to
also transmit a new command, in this case, the OK command.
HouseMate allows you to do this by recording two series of commands on the
one button. In the example above the first series would be the PROGRAM+

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commands and the second series, or “OK command”, would of course be the OK
command itself.
1. Select program mode and then press Button 1. (see page 10)
2. Button 1 and 2 should be flashing. Now press Button 2. This selects
macro record mode.
3. The symbol should be flashing.
4. Press and hold the HouseMate button you want to record onto. The
symbol starts flashing faster.
5. Continue holding and then press, one after the other, the buttons (or
button) on the Infra-red control for the first series.
The symbol will light up when the first command is received and then the
symbol will light up every time you press a button on the Infra-red
control.
6. When you have finished the first series let go the button on HouseMate
but then immediately press it again before the symbol and the light of
the button goes out.
7. Continue holding and now press, one after the other, the buttons (or
button) on the Infra-red control for the second series. More often than not
this will be just one button –i.e. an “OK command”.
8. When you have finished the second series let go the button on
HouseMate and then press the button to exit program mode.
9. As before, test the button you just recorded on by pressing it. You should
see the symbol illuminate. Confirm that the device receiving the
command (i.e. the TV, DVD etc) operates as expected (i.e. Volume Up,
Program + etc).
10.To stop the first series and start the second series, i.e. the “OK
command”, press the button a second time.
Again, confirm that the device receiving the command operates as
expected.
Tip: A good use of this function is to create a scan of a user’s favorite sky channels.
Record the following series of commands from a Sky remote: GUIDE->FAVOURITES-> DOWN->
DOWN-> DOWN-> DOWN-> DOWN-> DOWN-> DOWN-> DOWN.

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For the end command record the OK command.
Now when the user selects the button an automatic scan of their favorite channels will take place
on the TV. Furthermore when they press their switch a second time the highlighted channel will
be selected.
When creating a series like this it is important to leave enough of a pause between pressing the
GUIDE button, the FAVOURITES button and the first DOWN button. This is because the time it
takes to load the Guide and the Favorites varies from Tv to Tv and from time to time.

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5.4 Recording commands on Level 2
There are two levels or pages within HouseMate. This expands the number of
possible commands to 20. Each button has a different command depending on
what level you are on. Level 1 could be used for TV commands whilst level 2
could be used for House commands such as lights, sockets, door opener etc.
Like level 1, it is possible to record a command or series of commands on each
button in level 2. In order to do so you must have level 2 open first. See page 27
on how to set the Level Two setting to Open –use Button 0.
To record an Infra-red command on a button in level 2
1. Select the correct level by pressing Button 0. Button 1 will light up if you
have selected level 1. Button 2 will light up if you have selected level 2. In
this instance you want to select level 2.
Notice that when you release Button 0 the current level is indicated by
blinking the light in the relevant button, i.e. Button 1 or Button 2.
HouseMate stops doing this once you start using it but if no buttons are
pressed for a few seconds it will return to blinking the current level for a
few moments before it switches itself off. This gives the user a visible
queue as to what level they are on.
2. Now that you have selected level 2 the procedure for recording Infra-red
commands is exactly the same as before. Choose one of the procedures
from the previous pages.

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6Recording Auditory Prompts
HouseMate allows you to record Auditory prompts for each button. The prompts
are played back during scanning so that the user can press their switch when
they hear the correct prompt. The prompts are also played back when you press
a button on HouseMate directly.
The microphone is positioned in the top left hand corner of the speaker grill. To
get the best result speak close to the microphone but not directly into it.
Tip: For best results make sure there is no background noise when you are recording prompts.
Before you can playback an auditory prompt the Auditory Feedback setting
must be set to Prompts or Prompts and Clicks. By default it is set to Prompts.
See page 23 for adjusting this setting.
6.1 Recording Button Prompts
To record a prompt
1. Select program mode and then press Button 2. (see page 10)
2. The symbol should be flashing.
3. To record a prompt press and hold the button you want to record onto.
You will notice that the symbol starts flashing faster and the symbol
lights up.
In this mode the low battery indicator, , is used to indicate that recording
is in progress.
4. Continue holding and speak your prompt clearly into the microphone.
Each prompt can be a maximum of 5 seconds in duration. If you try and
record a longer prompt the recording will fail.
5. When you have finished speaking let go the button on the HouseMate.
6. You can now leave program mode by pressing the button. The
symbol should stop flashing.
7. Verify the recording by pressing the button you recorded on.

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Tip: You can record a prompt for more than one button before leaving program mode. When you
have finished step 5 above repeat from step 3 for the next button you want to record on.
To record a prompt on a button in level 2
There are two levels or pages within HouseMate. This expands the number of
possible commands and associated prompts to 20. Each button has a different
command depending on what level you are on. Level 1 could be used for TV
commands whilst level 2 could be used for House commands such as lights,
sockets, speakerphone etc.
Like level 1, it is possible to record a prompt for each button on level 2 but in
order to do so you must have level 2 open first. See page 27 on how to set the
Level Two setting to Open –use Button 0.
1. Select the correct level by pressing Button 0. Button 1 will light up if you
have selected level 1. Button 2 will light up if you have selected level 2. In
this instance you want to select level 2.
Notice that when you release Button 0 the current level is indicated by
blinking the light in the relevant button, i.e. Button 1 or Button 2.
HouseMate stops doing this once you start using it but if no buttons are
pressed for a few seconds it will return to blinking the current level for a
few moments before it switches itself off. This gives the user a visible
queue as to what level they are on.
2. Now that you have selected level 2 recording prompts is exactly the same
procedure as before. Start from step 1 on the previous page.
6.2 Recording Level Prompts
To record a prompt for level 1 or level 2
When using two levels HouseMate blinks Button 1 or Button 2 to give the user a
visual queue as to what level they are on. However it is also possible to record a
prompt for each level so that when the user selects or presses the level button
they hear a prompt telling them what level they are on. “This is where your TV
commands are” for example. This prompt is in addition to the prompt recorded on
Button 0 that is played back during scanning.

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In order to record a prompt for level 1 or level 2 you must connect an external
switch into switch input 1 on the right hand side of the connector panel at the
bottom of HouseMate.
1. Select the correct level by pressing Button 0. Button 1 will light up if you
have selected level 1. Button 2 will light up if you have selected level 2.
2. Select program mode and then press Button 2. (see page 10)
3. The symbol should be flashing.
4. To record a prompt for the current level press and hold Switch 1. You will
notice that the symbol starts flashing faster and the symbol lights up.
In this mode the low battery indicator, , is used to indicate that recording
is in progress.
5. Continue holding and speak your prompt clearly into the microphone.
The level prompts can be a maximum of 3 seconds in duration. If you try
and record a longer prompt the recording will fail.
6. When you have finished let go the switch.
7. You can now leave program mode by pressing the button. The
symbol should stop flashing.
8. To verify the recording press Button 0 to select the other level. Then press
Button 0 again to select the level you just recorded on. You should hear
the newly recorded level prompt.
9. Repeat the procedure for the other level.

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7HouseMate Settings
This chapter deals with HouseMate settings such as Scanning Method, Switch
Acceptance Time, Open Level Two and so on. With the exception of the
Scanning Speed setting they are all adjusted in exactly the same way. This
section briefly explains the procedure.
When you are in program mode the buttons on the HouseMate are used to select
the setting you want to change according to the following diagram.
When you have selected a setting, HouseMate shows you its current value by
blinking the relevant button light. In the example below the Skip Enable setting
was selected and its current value is Skip Disabled.
Skip Enable/Disable
Switch Acceptance Time
Scanning Style
Level Two
Scanning Speed
Auditory Feedback
Scanning Method
Volume Control
Blinking LED indicates
current value
Solid LED indicates the
setting you are changing