Oregon Scientific VR399 User Manual

VR399 Digital Voice Recorder
User's Manual
English
Getting Started
Thank you for purchasing the VR399 Digital Voice Recorder. VR399 is not
only easy to use, it is also so small in size that you can bring along for
recording voice memo, conversion and discussion. VR399 allows you to
record up to 396 messages with a total duration of 234 minutes and organize
[ ] Folder A
them into 4 separate folders. The messages will remain intact even when
[ ] Folder B
the batteries are removed because of the non-volatile memory employed.
[ ] Folder C
Other features of the product include:
[ ] Folder D
[ ] Battery level
FEATURES
[ ] PM time
[ ] Lock status
PC connectivity
[ ] Time/message information
Transferring recorded messages to and from PC in order to store them on
[ ] Message number and count
PC or send them to your friends.
[ ] Scanning playback
[ ] Erase
Variable speed playback (Normal, Fast or Slow)
[ ] Playback/playback speed - Fast
Playback messages at speeds faster or slow than original ones without
[ ] Playback/playback speed - Normal
affecting the tone/pitch using digital signal process techniques.
[ ] Playback/playback speed - Slow
[ ] Remain playback or record time
Index marking
[ ] Standard play
Helps you to search for the desired section in a message.
[ ] Extend play
[ ] Long play
Section repeat playback
[ ] Record
Lets you listen to a section of a message repeatedly.
[ ] VOX
[ ] Alarm
MIC sensitivity control (Auto, Hi or Lo)
[ ] Hours
Maintains good recording quality independent of voice loudness.
[ ] Minutes
Voice activated recording (VOX)

INSTALLING/REPLACING BATTERIES

Starts and stops recording automatically by detecting voice activity.
Two AAA-size (UM-4) batteries are required.
Scan playback (first 5 sec. for each message)
Alkaline batteries are recommended for best performance.
Helps you to search for the desired message.
1. Remove the battery compartment door.
2. Insert the batteries.
Alarm clock
3. Replace the battery compartment door.
Shows daily alarm time.
Battery level is indicated on the status display.
PARTS OF THE DIGITAL VOICE RECORDER
Replace the batteries when "BATT" is shown.
Note:
8 9 13
You may need to RESET the unit after replacing batteries.
Caution:
• Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended type.
• Do no mix old and new batteries, different types of batteries (standard,
5 alkaline, or rechargeable), or rechargeable batteries of different capacities.
• Dispose of old batteries promptly and properly. Do not burn or bury them.
15
• If you do not plan to use the recorder for a week or longer, remove the
2
batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that can destroy electronic parts.
4
1

Using the Digital Voice Recorder

7
3
There are two operating modes: clock mode and recorder mode. Clock mode
6
is automatically selected upon reset and when the unit is left idle for 30 seconds.
To enter the recorder mode, press REC or PLAY. The selected folder, message
information and the status of various settings are displayed. If REC is pressed
1 1
12
to enter recorder mode, the unit starts recording right away.
10
To return to the clock mode, either leave the unit idle for a while or press
MODE/INDEX.
Clock Mode Operations

SETTING THE CLOCK

14
1. Press and hold DISP/SET in clock mode. The hour digits blink.
2. Press VOL+/VOL- to adjust the hour.
1. REC/STOP button
3. Press DISP/SET. The minute digits blink.
Starts or stops recording.
4. Press VOL+/VOL- to adjust the minute.
5. Press DISP/SET. The year blinks.
2. PLAY/STOP and SKIP/REV jog button
6. Press VOL+/VOL- to adjust the year.
Starts or stops playback or locates a message/index by skipping
7. Press DISP/SET. The month blinks.
forward or backward.
8. Press VOL+/VOL- to adjust the month.
9. Press DISP/SET. The day blinks.
3. MODE/INDEX button
10. Press VOL+/VOL- to adjust the day.
- Selects operation mode.
11. Press DISP/SET to resume normal operation.
- Marks an index during recording or a section for repeating during
playback.

SETTING ALARM

4. DISP/SET button
1. Press MODE/INDEX in clock mode to show the alarm time.
- Selects information to be shown.
"ALARM" is shown.
- Enters various settings.
2. Press and hold DISP/SET in alarm clock mode. The hour digits blink.
- Change playback speed.
3. Press VOL+/VOL- to enter the hour.
4. Press DISP/SET. The minute digits blink.
5. ERASE button
5. Press VOL+/VOL- to enter the minute.
Erases a message.
6. Press DISP/SET to resume normal operation.
6. VOL+/VOL- buttons
Alarm is turned on automatically when the alarm time has been changed.
Adjusts the volume output of the speaker and earphone and settings.
TURNING ALARM ON/OFF
7. LOCK slide switch
Locks control buttons.
1. Press MODE/INDEX in clock mode to show the alarm time.
2. Press VOL+/VOL- to turn alarm on or off. The ALARM indicator appears
8. Earphone connector
when alarm is turned on.
Accepts an optional earphone.
When the alarm sounds, press any button to stop the alarm or it stops
9. MIC connector
automatically in 30 sec. if no button is pressed.
Accepts an optional microphone.
Note:
10. RESET button
If the unit is in recorder mode at preset alarm time, the alarm does not sound
Returns all settings to default values.
even when alarm is turned on. The ALARM indicator blinks for 30 sec. unless
any one of the buttons is pressed.
11. Battery door
Recorder Mode Operations
12. Speaker

RECORDING MESSAGES

13. Microphone
1. Press REC to start recording. Information and status of the message being
14. USB cable connector
recorded will be shown and updated automatically.
2. Press REC again to stop recording.
15. Status display
Viewing Remaining Recording Time

CONNECTING EARPHONE or EXTERNAL MICROPHONE

To view remaining record time, press DISP/SET when a message is being
recorded.
Marking Indexes
Indexes may be added to recorded messages so that you can search and listen
to specific portions of a message easily. Up to a total of 99 indexes may be
marked in messages in the same folder.
To mark an index, press MODE/INDEX when a message is being recorded.
The index number will be shown briefly.
Note: Connect a condenser microphone (not included) with a 3.5mm mini-plug to
• When there are already 99 message in the current folder and REC is pressed, extend the recording range. When an external microphone is plugged in, the
"FULL" will be shown. You may erase some of the messages in the current built-in microphone is disabled automatically.
folder or select the other folder to record new message.
• When there are already 99 indexes in the current folder and MODE/INDEX Connect an earphone (included) to listen to recorded messages privately.
is pressed during recording, "FULL" will be shown. When an earphone is plugged, the built-in speaker is disabled automatically.
• When there is no more recording capacity available and REC is pressed,
"FULL" will be shown. You may erase some of the messages to free up Caution:
recording capacity. • To protect your hearing:
• When recording capacity is used up during recording, "FULL" will be 1. Do no listen with earphone when the unit is in clock mode.
shown and recording stop automatically. 2. Set the volume to the lowest setting before you begin listening and adjust
• When VOX is turned on, the unit pauses recording when no voice is detected the volume to a comfortable level eventually.
for 2 seconds. Recording will be resumed when voice is detected again. 3. Do not listen at extremely high volume levels or you risk to lose hearing
permanently.

PLAYING MESSAGES

4. Once you set the volume, do not increase it. Your ears adapt to higher
volumes over time. So, a volume level that does not cause discomfort
When the unit is in recorder mode: might still damage your hearing.
1. Press SKIP/REV to select the message to be played. Various information • To protect others:
of the message will be shown and updated automatically. Do not wear earphones while operating a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle.
2. Press PLAY to start playback. This may lead to a traffic accident & could be illegal in some countries.
3. Press PLAY again to pause/stop playback.
RESETTING THE UNIT
Viewing Remaining Playback Time
To view remaining playback time of a message, press DISP/SET when the Press RESET to return all settings to default values.
message is being played.
Note:
Locating Messages • Use only a blunt stylus to press RESET.
• When the unit is idle in recorder mode: • You may need to reset the unit if it is not function properly.
- Press SKIP/REV to go to the previous or the next message. • Recorded messages are not erased after reset.
• When a message is being played:
- Press SKIP/REV to go to the previous index/message, the beginning of Caution:
the current index/message or the next index/message during playback. • You may need to perform a full reset if the unit does not function properly
- Press and hold SKIP/REV to go quickly to the earlier or latter portion even after reset. To perform a full reset, press and hold ERASE when
of the current message. RESET is pressed.
• Recorded messages in both folders are erased after full reset.
Section Repeat Playback
When a message is being played: Connecting to PC
1. Press MODE/INDEX to mark the start of the section to be repeated.
2. Press MODE/INDEX the 2nd time to mark the end of the section to be With the supplied USB cable and Voice Recorder Link software, recorded
repeated. The marked section will be played repeatedly. voice messages may be transferred to and from PC. You can not only free
3. Press MODE/INDEX the 3rd time to resume normal playback. up recording capacity but the recorded messages may be shared with others
by sending them via e-mails.
Introduction Scanning
When the unit is idle in recorder mode: PREPARATION
1. Press and hold PLAY. "INTRO" and message no. will be shown alternatively.
The first 5 seconds of the messages is played and the unit proceeds to Installing Voice Recorder Link
the next message automatically. 1. Please DO NOT CONNECT YOUR DIGITAL VOICE RECORDER
2. Press PLAY again to stop. BEFORE INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE AND DRIVER. Make sure
that no programs, such as games or anti-virus software, are running on
Changing Playback Speed the PC. If programs are open, close and exit from the programs before
To change playback speed, press DISP/SET repeatedly to cycle through fast proceeding.
playback, slow playback and normal playback when the unit is idle in recorder 2. Insert the CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive of your PC.
mode. 3. After a short period, a setup menu appears.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.

ADJUSTING VOLUME

If the setup menu does not automatically appear after inserting the CD-ROM
Press VOL+/VOL- to increase or decrease playback volume. Playback volume into the CD-ROM drive:
setting will be shown briefly. 1. Click Start button on your Windows desktop and choose Run on Start menu.
2. Type "<CD-ROM drive letter>:\Setup".

ERASING MESSAGES

3. Click OK button or press Enter key on your keyboard. The setup menu appears.
When the unit is in recorder mode: After installation, it is recommended to reboot the computer before connecting
1. Press SKIP/REV to select the message to be erased. your Digital Voice Recorder. Icons or folders of the installed software will
2. Press ERASE. "ERASE" and the message no. to be erased are shown alternatively. be created on the Start-Programs menu.
3. Press ERASE again to confirm.
Install USB driver for Digital Voice Recorder if the digital voice recorder is
Note: plugged in before CD installation
All messages in a folder may be erased at the same time by:
1. Press and hold ERASE to erase all messages. "ERASE" and "ALL" are If the digital voice recorder is plugged into the PC before using the CD
shown alternatively. for installation, the USB driver for digital voice recorder is requested in
®
2. Press ERASE again to confirm. Windows
LOCKING BUTTONS Windows
1. Slide LOCK to the lock position to lock the control buttons. LOCK 1. After connected the digital voice recorder to computer, the system will
indicator appears. detect it and ask for the device driver in the New Hardware Wizard.
2. Slide LOCK to unlock position to unlock the control buttons. Click on "Next" to continue.
2. Choose "Search for a suitable driver for my device (Recommended)"and
Note: press "Next".
The LOCK indicator blinks when button is pressed when the buttons are locked. 3. Choose "Specify a location" and click on "Next" to continue.
4. Slide the enclosed installation CD in the CD-ROM drive. Specify a
SETTING OPTIONS location of "x:\driver" (Assuming x:\ is your CD-ROM drive). Click
on "Next" to continue.
There are 5 options you can set: the active folder, recording mode, MIC 5. Follow on-screen instructions to complete installation.
sensitivity, voice activated recording (VOX) on/off and button press 6. The "VR399 Digital Voice Recorder" will be recognized in Device
confirmation tone on/off. Manager under Universal Serial Bus controller .
1. Press and hold DISP/SET in recorder mode. "FILE" and the total
duration of the messages recorded in the active folder are shown. Windows
2. Press VOL+/VOL- to select the active folder (Folder A, B, C or D).
3. Press DISP/SET to proceed to the next option. "MODE" is shown. 1. After connected the digital voice recorder to computer, the system will
4. Press VOL+/VOL- to set recording mode (SP, EP or LP). Recording detect it and ask for the device driver in the Found New Hardware
time and quality differs in each mode. Up to 126 min. in SP (standard Wizard. Click on "Next" to continue.
play) mode, 164 min. in EP (extended play) mode and 234 min. in LP 2. For Windows
(long play) mode may be recorded. (Advanced)" and press "Next". Or,
5. Press DISP/SET to proceed to the next option. "MIC" is shown. 3. For Windows
6. Press VOL+/VOL- to set MIC sensitivity (Auto, Hi or Lo). When Auto (Advanced)"and press "Next".
is selected, sensitivity of microphone is adjusted automatically. Though 4. Choose "Search for the best driver in these location".
setting MIC sensitivity to Auto is recommended, setting MIC sensitivity 5. Slide the enclosed installation CD in the CD-ROM drive. Specify a
to Hi is recommended for conference while setting to Lo is recommended location of "x:\driver" (Assuming x:\ is your CD-ROM drive). Click
for dictation. on "Next" to continue.
7. Press DISP/SET to proceed to the next option. "VOX" is shown. 6. Follow on-screen instructions to complete installation.
8. Press VOL+/VOL- to turn VOX on or off. If the function is turned ON, 7. The "VR399 Digital Voice Recorder" will be recognized in Device
the unit pauses recording automatically when no voice is detected for Manager under Universal Serial Bus controller .
2 seconds.
9. Press DISP/SET to proceed to the next option. "BEEP" is shown. Now, please follow the previous section "Installing Voice Recorder Link" to
10. Press VOL+/VOL- to turn button press confirmation tone on or off. complete the software installation.
11. Press DISP/SET to resume normal operation.
Installing Sound Recorder and Audio Compression (for Windows
In some installation of Windows, the required Sound Recorder and Audio
Compression components may not have been installed. To install Sound
Recorder and Audio Compression components:
1
1. Click Start button on your Windows desktop and choose Control Panel
on Start menu.
2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs.
3. Click on the Windows Setup tap.
4. Double-click Multimedia component.
5. Make sure that Audio Compression and Sound Recorder are checked.
Note:
Windows setup CD/disks may be required during the installation process.
Making Connection
Now, please connect your VR399 Digital Voice Recorder to a USB port on
your PC with the USB cable as illustrated.
USING VOICE RECORDER LINK
Starting Communication
• Make sure that "LINK" is shown on the status display of the Digital Voice
Recorder.
• Information of the messages recorded in the Digital Voice Recorder will
be transmitted and shown automatically.
• Choose the message folder to be viewed by clicking the respective folder
tap (Folder A, B, C or D) or from the Tools-View menu. The folder currently
shown (defaulted to Folder A) is marked with a tick.
Note:
• "LINK" will be shown automatically as soon as the USB cable is plugged
in if the Digital Voice Recorder is in recorder mode.
• In case "LINK" is not shown after USB cable has been plugged in (e.g. the
Digital Voice Recorder is in clock mode when USB cable is plugged), press
Play button once.

Transferring Messages from Digital Voice Recorder to PC (Uploading)

1. Choose the message to be transferred by clicking on the message no.
2. Press the Upload button on the tool bar or choose Upload from Unit to
PC from the Message menu.
3. Choose the filename and location at which the message it to be saved
in the Save As dialog popped up.
Note:
It takes a while for the message to be transferred, converted and saved.

Transferring Messages from PC to Digital Voice Recording (Downloading)

1. Press the Download button on the tool bar or choose Download from
PC to Unit from the Message menu.
2. Choose the filename and location of the message to be downloaded in
the Open dialog popped up.
3. Choose the destination folder and recording mode (quality) for the
message to be downloaded.
Note:
It takes a while for the message to be converted and transferred.
Deleting Messages from Digital Voice Recorder
1. Choose the message to be deleted by clicking on the message no.
2. Press DEL on keyboard or choose Delete from Edit menu.
Caution:
Make sure that the message is no longer needed or have been transferred and
saved before deleting. Messages deleted will be removed permanently from
the Digital Voice Recorder and cannot be recovered from Recycle Bin.
Playing Uploaded Messages
1. Open the folder in which the uploaded messages have been saved.
2. Double-click the message uploaded.
98/ME/2000/XP. 3. The player associated with .WAV files will pop-up and start playing
the message.
® 98 / 2000
Note:
The default player associated with .WAV files is usually Sound Recorder or
Windows Media Player.

Troubleshooting

Problem
Nothing happens after
pressing a button
There is no sound
®
ME / XP
No sound is recorded with
external microphone
® ME, Choose "Specify the location of the drive.
® XP, Choose "Install from a list or specify location. The recorder does not record
"DOOR" is shown
"BATT" is shown
Message "Failed to
connect to the digital
voice recorder"
® 98 & ME users)
Operation is not normal
Care
The product is engineered to give you years of satisfactory service if handled
carefully.
1. Keep the product dry.
2. Keep the product away from extreme temperature.
3. Keep the product away from dusty, dirty or humid environment.
4. Do not clean the product with thinner, detergent or any corrosives.
Clean the product only with lightly wetted cloth.
System Requirements (Voice Recorder Link)
• Computer/Processor: Multimedia PC with Pentium II 233 or above.
• Memory: 64 MB or more.
• Hard Disk: 10MB of available hard disk space. An additional
230MB of hard disk space is require for
temporary files in conversions.
• Drive: CD-ROM drive.
• Display: Super VGA graphics card or compatible
video graphics adapter.
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows
®
Windows ME or Windows
• Communication port: One available USB port.
• Peripherals: Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device.
Windows compatible audio board with
headphones or speakers.
Accessories
• User manual
• Voice Recorder Link software on CD-ROM
• Earphone (mono)
• Carrying pouch
• USB cable
• 1.5V AAA-size alkaline batteries
Specification
• Recording medium: Non-volatile (flash) memory
• Recording time: 126 min. (SP)
164 min. (EP)
234 min. (LP)
• Speaker: 23mm diameter
• Maximum power: 100mW
• PC interface: USB
• Earphone jack: 3.5mm diameter, 8 ohm
• Microphone jack: 3.5mm diameter, 2 Kohm
• Power: AAA size 1.5V alkaline battery x 2
• Battery life: About 6 hour continuous recording or 4 hour
continuous playback
• Size: 44mm (w) x 105mm (h) x 15mm (t)
• Weight: 43g without battery
Note:
• Specifications are typical figures that may differ between units.
• Specifications are subject to change and improvement without notice.
• All company and/or product names are trademarks and/or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.
FCC Information
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.
Suggestion
• Make sure LOCK slide switch is in locked
position
• Make sure that fresh batteries are correctly
installed
• Make sure the volume is turned up
• Make sure an earphone is not connected to
the recorder
• Make sure that the microphone is fully
plugged in
• Make sure that condenser type of
microphone is used
• Make sure that the no. of message in the
selected folder is less than 99
• Make sure that the total length of recorded
messages in the selected folder is not full
• Make sure that the battery door lock is in
locked position
• Make sure that fresh batteries are used
• Make sure USB cable is connected
properly
• Make sure "LINK" is shown on the digital
voice recorder before pressing "Connect"
button
• Reset the unit and perform full reset when
necessary
® 98, Windows ® 2000,
®
XP.
x 1
x 1
x 1
x 1
x 1
x 2
086-002668-124