eclipse Scholar Digital Magnifier User Manual

eclipse Scholar Digital Magnifier User Manual

Important Safety Information

Please read all of the following instructions before setting up your Eclipse. Failure to follow these instructions properly could lead to physical injury.

• The Eclipse must be used on a flat, level table. Never attempt to use it on a sloping surface or on a table that cannot accommodate the full footprint of the unit.
• The front of the Eclipse must be placed at least 10cms or 4 inches back from the edge of the table. This is to prevent the unit from tipping forward ifexcessive weight is placed on the reading table when fully extended. There are warning labels placed on the reading table with arrows indicating the maximum overhang permissible when the table is fully extended.
• Both X/Y table and Screen contain moving parts. Please take care with folding back the screen and operating the X/Y table. If fingers get caught, injury might occur. If you feel you cannot operate the unit safely, please seek advice or contact your supplier.
• Never lift the Eclipse by the reading table.
• To prevent fire or electric shock please ensure this unit is kept away from all liquids. Do not use the unit in excessively damp or wet areas and do not expose it to rain, snow, etc.
• Before cleaning the unit, please ensure that it is unplugged. Use a slightly damp cloth to clean the exterior. Do NOT use solvents or aerosol cleaners.
• This unit should never be opened. It contains hazardous voltages. User servicing is confined to changing the lamps. Unauthorized servicing will invalidate your warranty. If you encounter any problems with this unit please contact your local dealer.
• When changing the lamps, please follow the instructions carefully.
• While we have made every effort to minimize the weight of this unit, if you feel you cannot safely lift it, seek help when moving it.
• Before moving the unit, unplug the power adapter, ensure the screen is folded back and the reading table is parked home with the brakes applied.
• Use only with the power adapter provided.
• Never place any object on the screen. The screen can be scratched or broken easily and damage to it is not covered under warranty

Using the Eclipse Scholar

Setting up

Lift the Eclipse from its packaging and place it on a solid, level desk. Raise the screen upright.

Plug the power adapter into the mains using the lead provided and insert the other connector into the socket on the rear bulkhead of the Eclipse.

Ensure the unit is placed at least 10cms (4 inches) back from the edge of the desk. Sit in front of the unit.

Min 10cm / 4 inches

Press the red button on the right of the front panel to turn the Eclipse on. The Eclipse will beep to indicate power-on and the lamps will light. After a few seconds, the image will appear on the screen

Release the brake on the reading table and pull the table out towards you. If you push the table back in again, you will see that the table locks home only when located centrally between its legs. Place some text on the table and you should see it on the screen.

The distance camera is discussed in a later section of this manual.

Folding down and moving

Turn off the unit and unplug the power adapter from the Eclipse and also from the wall socket. Disconnect the distance camera cable and remove the camera from the bracket. Remove all material from the reading table, park the table centrally between its legs and apply the brakes. Fold the screen back.

The Front Panel

The front panel has eight buttons that control the various function of the Eclipse. Throughout this manual the buttons will be referred to with symbols.

focus menu)
| Shifted button| Press and hold the  button and press the button referred to after the “+”, in a similar manner to the shift button on a computer keyboard. Shifted buttons allowextended functionality depending on the mode of operation.
| Zoom| Press the upper button to zoom in and increase magnification.Press the lower button to zoom out and reduce magnification.
| Overview| Overview mode zooms out to allow you to find your place on the reading materialand then returns to the previous zoom level.
| Line marker &Shutters| Places a guiding line on the screen ordims off the top and bottom of the screen.
| Semi-colours| Allows the use of different ink and papercolours.
| Brightness| Pressing this button on the right or leftincreases and decreases the brightness or contrast of the image.
| Mode| The mode button switches between picture mode (for viewing pictures and images) and reading modes (high contrast mode). A single press will switch from picture mode to the last used reading mode (positive or reversed) or vice versa. A subsequent press within 2 seconds will switch to the other reading mode. Pressing and holding this button for 2 seconds will bring up the Configuration Menu, described in Section 6 below.

Basic Functions

This section will describe how to use the basic features of the Eclipse to magnify text and images. Follow the instructions in section 1 – Setting Up before you begin using the unit.

Reading Table

Unlock the table and place the material you want to read on it. The table should slide easily in all directions. After transport, the bearing carriers in the table slides may have moved, tending to restrict the extent of the movement – this is normal. To correct this, extend the table in all directions to its full extent, applying sufficient force to re-align the bearing carriers

The brakes on the table can be used to restrict the table’s movement:

• The rotary knob locks the side-to-side movement.
• The sliding knob locks the in-out movement.

Both brakes operate independently and you may find that locking one or other allows you to scan a line of text or a column of numbers easily. Locking both brakes facilitates writing under the unit.

Power button
Press the power button to turn on the unit. Pressing the power button again (after the start-up screen has cleared) will turn off the unit. The

Eclipse stores its settings only when it is powered off using the power button. If the power is interrupted, either by a mains failure or by unplugging the power, any changes made during the session are lost.

Zooming in and out
Press the upper half of the zoom control to enlarge the magnification. The button can be held until the desired magnification is reached.

When the maximum magnification is reached the key click will change to a beep and zooming will stop.

Pressing the lower half of the zoom control will reduce the magnification in a similar manner.

Picture and Reading Modes
Picture mode offers a full colour image suitable for viewing photographs and other images or for viewing text without enhancement.

There are two Reading modes, positive and negative; sometimes referred to as normal and reversed. The positive mode enhances the contrast and removes greys. Negative mode enhances the contrast and also reverses the ink and paper making the letters white and the paper black.

The Mode button is used to select the desired image mode. Repeated pressing of the mode button will switch from picture mode to positive to negative and back to picture mode. Select the reading mode you find easiest to use

If you allow a 2 to 3 second interval between presses of the mode button, Eclipse will switch from your current reading mode to picture mode and back to your last used reading mode. This sounds complicated, but in normal use, you will generally switch from your chosen reading mode to picture mode to view an image, then you will switch back to reading mode to continue reading.

Brightness Control
You can press either side of the brightness control at any time to adjust the image. You may find that details in some photographs will appear clearer at different brightness settings. In reading mode, lowering the brightness control will bring in the grain of the paper if desired.

Enhanced Functions

This section will describe how to use the additional features of the Eclipse to customize the unit for particular requirements.

Overview Function

The Overview function provides a method of locating your position on the page. Pressing the assigned function button will cause Eclipse to zoom out beyond its normal minimum zoom level to provide an overview of the area of the page you are currently viewing. A target symbol will appear in the centre of the screen indicating where you were looking on the page. Pressing any key will exit the overview mode and restore the previous magnification level.

If you wish, you can use the target to centre a point on the page that you want to see magnified. Upon pressing a key to exit the overview mode, the Eclipse will zoom in on the targeted point. This could be used, for instance, to locate the line on a form where you need to sign.

Camera select

When shipped from the factory, by default this button toggles between the external and the internal camera.

If you wish to use either the line markers or blanking described in section 5C below, then you will need to program the camera select to  another of the function buttons. To accomplish this, power off the unit, press and hold the “F” button with the function button to now be used as the camera select button and power on the unit, holding both buttons until the camera’s image appears on the screen. The new function button will be remembered from then on.

Line marker and Blanking shutters

By default, this function is superseded by the camera select function described in section 5B above. To enable this function please read section 5B.

This mode can be used as a guide to tracking a line of text. There are two aids for tracking text: the line and blanking shutters.

The first press of the assigned function button will display a horizontal line in the yellow (or other contrasting colour) about two-thirds of the way down the screen. You can use this line to underline the line of text you are reading by moving the table appropriately.

The second press of the function button will display the shutters. These blank the text at the top and bottom of the screen leaving an area in the centre to read. The distance between these shutters can be adjusted, as can the position of the centre area on the screen. To adjust the shutters, use + (i.e. press and hold the focus button and press the centre function button). The unit will beep to indicate that you are entering the shutter adjustment mode. You can use the Zoom buttons to widen or reduce the reading area. Pressing the function key will exit the adjustment mode. If you do not press a key for five seconds the Eclipse will automatically exit the adjustment mode anyway.

Ideally, you should set your desired magnification level then set the distance between the shutters to suit the size of text on the screen.

Pressing the function key a third time will clear the shutters, returning to full screen reading mode.

Colours (User Defined)

Some users may benefit from setting the ink and paper to colours other than black and white. The Eclipse offers four of the most commonly used preset colour options and one user-definable option where the ink and paper colours may each be chosen from any of eight fore- and background colours.

The colour options are only available in reading mode. Pressing the assigned function button will cycle through the options available (including the user- defined option).

If none of the presets work for you (or if you wish to experiment) you can set the user-defined option by using + (i.e. press and hold the focus button and press the rightmost function button). The unit will beep to indicate that you are entering the colour selection mode. You can use the Zoom buttons and brightness buttons to set the ink and paper colours. Note that you cannot display the same colour for ink and paper. Pressing the function key again will exit the adjustment mode. If you do not press a key for five seconds the Eclipse will automatically exit the selection mode anyway.

Colour Kill (Photo mode only)

When in photo mode, the colour can be removed from the picture by pressing the button. The symbol “▀▄” appears in the bottom corner to avoid confusion with the positive reading mode. Please note that line marker or shutter modes cannot be used simultaneously with colour kill.

The Configuration Menu

Press and hold the mode button for 2 seconds (alternatively press + ) to pop up the configuration menu. Note that the mode will change upon pressing the button but reverts back to the previous mode when the menu pops up.

Use the Zoom buttons to move the highlight up and down. Press the Focus button to proceed when you have highlighted the desired item.

You can press the Mode button at any time to exit the menu.

The various menu choices are explained below.

The Video Controls menu

The items in the Video Controls menu are explained below. Selecting a control item by pressing will clear the menu and bring up an indicator at the bottom of the screen. You can then use either the Zoom or Brightness buttons to adjust the setting. Press or when you are finished adjusting the control to bring you back to the full Video Controls menu.

Backlight : This controls the intensity of the lamps behind the display. The lamps can be dimmed if the image is causing glare or for some eye conditions such as photophobia.

Brightness: This control affects the overall level of light coming from the image. The brightness settings for picture mode and reading mode are independent and stored separately.

Saturation: This controls the intensity of colour displayed in picture mode. Reducing the saturation to minimum will result in a monochrome image.

Iris: The iris controls the amount of light entering the camera.

Generally, this control should be left as supplied but with bright external lighting it may be necessary to turn it down to avoid glare from bright paper. This control does not appear on the menu when using an external video source.

The Focus Mode menu

You can choose from three different methods to focus the Eclipse.

Autofocus: In this mode the camera constantly monitors the image and refocuses automatically if necessary. Although the simplest method of focusing, it is not recommended to use this mode if the unit is left on continuously as it will lead to excessive wear on the focus mechanism.

Push Focus : In this mode the camera will re-focus itself when the Focus button is pressed or when the zoom level is altered. If the height of the material under the camera is changed, it will be necessary to press the focus button again.

Manual Focus: This mode is useful if you require an image that is slightly out of focus or you are looking at an awkward object that the camera will not focus on correctly. In this mode you must press

+ (Hold focus button down and press Zoom Up or Down) to set your desired focus.

Factory Defaults

Selecting this menu item will restore all video settings, modes, colours and button functions to their factory settings. This option is provided in case you set the unit into a mode that you cannot remember how to undo. You will be prompted to press the middle function button on the front panel to reset the unit; pressing any other button will exit without altering the current settings.

Rev 1.01 PRESS X TO RESET

The internal firmware revision is displayed on the top line. Generally, it is of no concern.

If, for some reason, you cannot see the menu to choose Factory
Defaults then perform the following sequence of button presses:

• Power the unit off then on again. Wait for a few seconds to allow the start-up sequence to complete.
• Press and hold the mode button until the beep is heard.
• Press Zoom-Up once.
• Press Focus once.
• Press the middle function button and the factory defaults should be restored.

Distance Camera

The distance camera is designed to allow distant images to be displayed on the

Eclipse Scholar. The distance camera can be fixed to the bracket on the top- right of the display. The thumbscrews should be loosened to allow the bracket on the base of the camera to be mounted and then tighten the thumbscrews to hold the camera firmly in place. The cable must then be used to connect the distance camera to the rear of the Eclipse.

The distance camera is supplied with a pouch for carrying it safely

Please note:
The camera output on the distance camera was NOT designed to connect to a computer network! Plugging a network cable into the camera will potentially damage both the network and the distance camera irreparably. Similarly, the Eclipse scholar should not be plugged into a computer network.

To display the image from the distance camera, press the button. Obviously if you have changed the button to use for selecting the camera, you will need to press that one instead (see section 5B for details). Most of the normal functions of the Eclipse will operate with the distance camera image. The exception is the zoom-in and out; these are operated by the buttons on the rear of the distance camera itself.

Note that all settings that are used by the distance camera (e.g. brightness, colours, etc.) are stored and used separately from those of the internal camera.

Distance camera controls

Top Button: Press to zoom in. The minimum working distance at the fully zoomed-in position is 1 metre. If an object is brought closer than this the camera will not be able to focus properly.

Middle Button: Press and release for overview mode (or other programmed function). Press and hold for the distance camera menu described below.

Bottom Button: Press to zoom out.
The minimum working distance when fully zoomed-out is about 1cm.

Distance Camera Menu

Press and hold the middle button on the distance camera for two seconds to display its setup menu. To navigate the menu, press the top or bottom buttons to move up or down through the menu. Press the middle button to select the desired function. The menu structure is outlined below:

BUTTON FUNCTION…

• OVERVIEW
• FREEZE IMAGE
• EXIT SUBMENU

TOGGLE MIRROR MODE

FOCUS MODE…

• FULL AUTO FOCUS
• PUSH TO FOCUS
• EXIT SUBMENU

MENU COLOR…

• WHITE
• YELLOW
• VIOLET
• RED
• CYAN
• GREEN
• BLUE
• EXIT SUBMENU

USER SETTINGS…

• SAVE SETTINGS
• LOAD SETTINGS
• FACTORY SETTINGS
• EXIT SUBMENU

EXIT MENU EXIT MENU

Description of menu commands

Button Function …
Selects the function of the middle button in normal operation.

Overview: When selected, pressing the middle button brings the camera into a low zoom position, allowing you to orientate yourself with the scene. Press any button to restore previous zoom level.

Freeze Image: When selected, pressing the middle button freezes the image being displayed. Press any button to cancel.

Toggle Mirror Mode
Selecting this function mirrors the output from the camera. Mirror mode is ideal when using the camera and display while viewing oneself. A mirror icon (a face) will be seen on your display when in mirror mode.

Select the function again to return to normal mode.

Focus Mode…
This menu allows you to choose between full automatic and camera auto focus only when the zoom position has been adjusted.

Full Auto Focus: When selected the camera will constantly monitor and adjust its focus without the user’s intervention.

Push To Focus: When selected the camera will only adjust the focus position when Zoom In or Zoom Out buttons are pressed. The hand symbol will flash to indicate that the camera is still focussing on the image. When this symbol is not flashing the focus position is fixed until the Zoom buttons are pressed.

Menu Color…
Changes the menu color and overview pointer -:- to seven different preset colors. Scroll up or down to select the color you wish.

User Settings…
Allows the user to store and restore camera Set-Up

Save Settings : When selected the camera’s current; zoom position, menu color, focus mode, middle button function and current viewing mode (normal or mirrored) will be saved.

Load Settings: When selected the saved user settings will be restored. Ideal for Lecture room situations where your desk position is fixed.

Factory Defaults: Restores the Factory settings. Performs lens initialisation to help prolong camera life.

Exit Submenu
Brings user back into the main Menu.

Exit Menu
Select to exit menu.

Maintenance of the Distance Camera

If dust appears on the image use a lens cleaning brush (available from a photographic store) to clean the lens of the camera. If the pan movement of the camera becomes too loose tighten the M4 hex screw seen on the camera mount.

Changing the lamps

If either of the lamps begins to dim or fails to start, they will need to be changed. You should replace both lamps at the same time to maintain a good image.

Before starting to replace the lamps you must unplug the power cord from the back of the unit.

You will require a small crosshead screwdriver to unscrew the lamp covers. Refer to the diagrams across and follow the sequence of operations. The lamps should be removed from their sockets by pulling them in the direction of their length only. The lamps are made of glass, so be careful not to break them.

Replace the lamp with the same type and colour temperature. One suitable lamp is:

• Osram Dulux S/E 7W/21-840

The “840” indicates the colour temperature which should be cool white to maintain colour rendition.

To replace the lamps simply reverse the sequence of operations.

Specifications

Dimensions:| Table footprint: 45cm x 42cm (17.7” x 16.5”) Folded height: 18.5cm (7.3”)Upright height: 54cm  (21”)Height to screen centre: 38cm (15”) Weight: 9.8kg (21.5 pounds)
---|---
Power:| 12V 3A from the power supply provided. Wide input voltage (100V to 240V, 50-60Hz)
Display:| 15.1-inch diagonal Active Colour Matrix TFT liquid crystal display (viewing area comparable to a 17 inch standard picture tube); 1024 x 768 pixels; anti-glare coating. Free from the flicker and radiation associated with CRT monitors.
Modes of Operation:| High-contrast positive and negative reading modes with full selection of ink and paper colours.Full colour picture mode.
Advanced features:| 3 function buttons perform the following functions: OverviewLine markers or blanking, Semi-coloursOn-screen menu allows full control of all functions. Extra large reading table with 41cm x 30cm (16” x 12”) travel.
Focus modes:| Auto-focus; push-to-focus; manual focus
Ergonomics:| Collapsible to compact size. Comfortable screen height. Tiltable display.Overview mode for quick location during reading. Low weight
Magnification:| x3 to x50 continuous zoom
Temperature:| 10°C to 40°C (50°F to 100°F)

As we strive to constantly improve our products, this information is subject to change without notice

Warranty

Ash Technologies warrants the equipment, when purchased new, to be free from defects in material and workmanship and will repair or replace at Ash Technologies’ discretion, any equipment which exhibits such defects; provided that the equipment has been operated under the proper conditions of installation and has not been tampered with by any persons not authorized by Ash Technologies or its agents and that it is solely serviced by Ash Technologies or its agents. This warranty shall be voided in the event of damage or abuse caused, in the opinion of Ash Technologies or its agents, by dropping the unit.

Cracks, scratches and pixel defects or similar damage to the display are specifically excluded from warranty.

In no event shall Ash Technologies or its agents be liable for special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages; the original user’s remedies being limited to repair or replacement.

This warranty is valid only when serviced in the country of original purchase.

Ash Technologies makes no other or further warranty, express or implied, including and warranty of fitness for a specific purpose or warranty of merchantability.

This warranty is valid for a period of
TWO YEARS
effective from the date of delivery.

For warranty claims or service during or after warranty period please contact your distributor.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
We, Ash Technologies Ltd., declare under our sole responsibility that this product, Eclipse Scholar, of the brand

Ash Technologies to which this declaration relates, is in conformity with the following standards or other normative documents:

EN 55022:1998 + A1:2000 + A2:2003 ITE – Radiated emissions
EN 55024:1998 + A1:2001 + A2:2003 ITE – Immunity characteristics following the provisions of EMC directive 89/336/EEC and Low Voltage directive 73/23/EEC and the Medical

Directive 93/42/EEC.
Alan Johnston

Engineering Director
Ash Technologies Ltd, Naas, Ireland.
4th August 2004

Ash Technologies Limited, B5, M7 Business Park, Naas, Ireland.
info@ashtech.ie www.ashtech.ie

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