1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. SYM Systems Manuals
  4. Voice Recorder
  5. EasyTalk
  6. User handbook manual

SYM Systems EasyTalk User Handbook Manual

Sym systems easytalk user's handbook
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
USER'S HANDBOOK

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the EasyTalk and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Summary of Contents for SYM Systems EasyTalk

  • Page 1 USER’S HANDBOOK...
  • Page 2 User’s Handbook...

  • Page 3: User's Handbook

    USER’S HANDBOOK...
  • Page 4 Thanks to all the people out in the field who evaluated and tested the EasyTalk. EasyTalk™ is a registered trademark of The Great Talking Box Company ©1997 SYM Systems Corporation. All rights reserved. Duplication of this material in whole or part for commercial purposes is expressly prohibited.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Recording Messages Playing Back Messages Calling Alarm Equipment and Its Care The Equipment Description of Hardware Features The Touch Panel Overlays Caring for the EasyTalk 2-10 Charging the Battery 2-11 Making the Battery Last 2-12 Low Battery Warning 2-12 Technical Information...
  • Page 6 Playing Back Messages Getting the EasyTalk Ready for the User Speaking Messages Settings for the End-user Calling Alarm Scanning About Scanning Mode Scanning patterns Selecting Scanning Adjusting the Scanning Configuration Trouble Shooting Common Problems Keyboard Calibration Servicing the EasyTalk Glossary of Terms...
  • Page 7 Introduction...

  • Page 8: Introducing The Easytalk

    It allows you to record messages digitally to later be played back instantaneously with the touch of a key. The EasyTalk is ideal for individuals requiring a limited number of messages with easy access.

  • Page 9: New Technology

    It uses reliable Flash EPROM technology to provide memory for recording up to 14 minutes of speech. With advanced memory management, the EasyTalk provides 4 levels of messages, giving a maximum of 160 messages! Also, the EasyTalk’s sophisticated audio circuitry and...

  • Page 10: About This Handbook

    This handbook was designed to help you, as a care giver or therapist, to quickly learn to set up the EasyTalk and put it to use. It will help you to record messages and then teach the user to play them back. For those familiar with this type of communication aid, there is a ‘quick start’...
  • Page 11 This manual is intended to guide a therapist or care giver through the necessary steps to operate the EasyTalk and as such, it is assumed that a therapist or other trained professional will be at hand to assist the actual user with his or her individual needs in order to properly and safely use the EasyTalk.
  • Page 12 NOTES: i i i EasyTalk User’s Handbook...

  • Page 13: Quick Start

    Quick Start...

  • Page 14: Setting Up The Equipment

    It can be held horizontally or vertically depending on the individual’s needs. To simplify the instructions in this chapter, all references to the EasyTalk will be made assuming that you are holding it horizontally. EasyTalk User’s Handbook...

  • Page 15: Recording Messages

    The On/Off knob is on the right side of the EasyTalk. Rotate the knob upwards into the ‘ON’ position. There will be a small ‘click’ and the EasyTalk will turn on. Rotate the knob in the opposite direction to turn off the EasyTalk.
  • Page 16 1. Change the level to the one upon which you wish to record messages. 2. Put the EasyTalk in Record mode by sliding setup switch 1 to the left. 3. Press the Record button - the LED above will flash indicating that the EasyTalk is ready to record.

  • Page 17: Playing Back Messages

    Play Mode Messages can be played back in both Record and Play mode. However, it is recommended that when you are finished recording, you put the EasyTalk in Play mode to prevent accidental erasure of messages you have recorded. To put the EasyTalk in Play mode, slide setup switch 1 to the right.

  • Page 18: Calling Alarm

    0.25 IMPORTANT: The EasyTalk is not meant to be used as a primary alarm. The user should have another available means of calling for help in case of emergency. For the EasyTalk to be useful as a calling alarm is important to keep the battery charged and the EasyTalk in perfect running order at all times.
  • Page 19 Equipment & Its Care...

  • Page 20: Equipment And Its Care

    Equipment and Its Care This chapter describes important features and physical characteristics of 2 2 2 the EasyTalk and proper care and configuration thereof. At the end of this chapter is an important table of technical information. The Equipment Orientation The Easy Talk is designed to be oriented in whatever fashion best accommodates the end-user.
  • Page 21 Top Panel The top of the EasyTalk consists of the (keyboard), the touch panel speaker, a built-in microphone, and the Record/Level button: TOUCH PANEL BUILT-IN MIC SPEAKER RECORD/LEVEL BUTTON Left Side The left side has jacks for an external speaker and microphone and the...
  • Page 22 SCAN SPEED RESET BUTTON ADJUSTMENT Bottom Panel The bottom of the EasyTalk contains a row of twelve setup switches for controlling functions and adjusting settings. To the left of the switches is a quick reference diagram for adjusting them: SWITCH...

  • Page 23: Description Of Hardware Features

    It is used to reset the EasyTalk in case of failure and to erase the messages from memory (see Erasing Messages in Chapter Three ).
  • Page 24 Move the individual setup switches left or right to choose the desired function or setting. Record/Play mode To put the EasyTalk in Play mode , slide setup switch 1 to the right. Move it to the left for Record mode . RECORD/PLAY:...
  • Page 25 Charger Port and The Charger port can be found on the left side of the EasyTalk. Next to the Indicator port is an LED which indicates that the EasyTalk is plugged in and the battery is charging.

  • Page 26: The Touch Panel

    A small turn screw for adjusting the scanning speed is located on the left side of the EasyTalk. This is used to fine tune the speed at which the scanning cycle progresses. It is used in conjunction with setup switch 11 which multiplies the scanning rate by a factor of ten when set to the High position.

  • Page 27: Overlays

    The eraser end of a pencil works very well as a pointer for pressing the keys. Overlays Overlays allow one to custom tailor the EasyTalk to suit an individual’s specific needs. The overlays are printed on a semi-transparent material through which the light from the scanning LEDs can be seen.
  • Page 28 Inserting and Removing To use an overlay, insert it in the slot on the left of the EasyTalk and slide it Overlays in slowly. Do not force or push the overlay too quickly as it can easily bend, making it even more difficult to insert. Be careful of bent corners or loose pictures that may be pasted on the overlay.

  • Page 29: Maintenance Procedures

    Do not expose the EasyTalk to dust or extreme environmental conditions Maintenance Procedures • Keep the EasyTalk clean. Wipe it with a damp rag, but do not use abrasive cleaners or detergents. • Turn off the EasyTalk when storing it or shipping it. This will protect the stored messages from accidental erasure.

  • Page 30: Charging The Battery

    The time necessary to recharge the battery depends on how low the charge is. The EasyTalk has a fast charging battery, so it can be used after 2 to 3 hours of charging. The EasyTalk can be used while the charger is plugged in, but it may take longer to charge while using it.

  • Page 31: Making The Battery Last

    If you care for your battery properly, it should last at least one year. When you find that it no longer holds a charge for very long, contact your EasyTalk representative to have the battery replaced.

  • Page 32: Technical Information

    2 lb. 1 oz. (825 g) Dimensions 1.35" x 4.10" x 12.00" (3.43cm x 10.41cm x 30.48cm) Environment Operating temperature 14 to 122° F (-10 to 50°C) Storage temperature -4 to 140°F (-20 to 60°C) Relative humidity 40 to 60% 2-13 EasyTalk User’s Handbook...

  • Page 33: Recording Messages

    Recording Messages...

  • Page 34: Setting Up The Easytalk

    It is used to reset the EasyTalk. The Reset button is also used to erase messages (see Erasing All Messages near the end of this chapter).

  • Page 35: Preparing To Record

    Changing the Level To change the level: 1. Put the EasyTalk in Play mode, by sliding setup switch 1 to the right. 2. Select SP play time, by sliding setup switch 2 to the right. 3. The Record button now functions as the Level button.
  • Page 36 The EasyTalk has two options for message compression . SP or ‘Standard Play’ gives the highest quality audio, but limits the EasyTalk to 4 minutes (or 8 minutes for the 2 MB model) of message time. LP or ‘Long Play’ increases the available recording time to 7 minutes (or 14 minutes for the 2 MB model), but reduces the sound quality of the messages.

  • Page 37: Recording Messages

    – if a message was previously recorded for that key, it may require a few seconds to erase it before the EasyTalk can record the new message. Once you hear the beep, hold the message key the entire time you are speaking. It may take a few tries to get the timing right.

  • Page 38: Re-Recording Messages

    When you change the keyboard layout, you should also change the overlay. To remove an overlay, grip the overlay on the outside edge and pull it straight out. To insert a new overlay, insert it in the slot on the left of the EasyTalk and slide it in slowly.
  • Page 39 Linkable Phrases You can expand the number of possible messages by choosing phrases that can be linked with other phrases to create new meanings. For example, the overlay below can render many longer phrases by combining the smaller phrases: NEED BOOKS YOUR HAVE...

  • Page 40: Level Message Cues

    10. To listen to the new message, press the same key again. 11. Repeat steps 6 to 10 for the remaining levels. The EasyTalk now has custom message cues for the different levels. When you press the Level key, you will hear the custom message for the corresponding level.

  • Page 41: Erasing Messages

    5. To continue, press anywhere on the keyboard surface and the erasure will begin. While the memory is being erased, the Record LED will light up. After a short period, it will stop, telling you that the EasyTalk is completely cleared of all messages on all levels. CAUTION: This action is final ! Make sure that you no longer need the current messages before erasing all the messages and levels.
  • Page 42 NOTES: EasyTalk User’s Handbook...

  • Page 43: Playing Back Messages

    Playing Back Messages...

  • Page 44: Getting The Easytalk Ready For The User

    The hold time is the amount of time a key must be held to play back a message. You will want to adjust this setting before handing the EasyTalk to the end user. It is set by adjusting setup switches 6 and 7. See the diagram below: HELPFUL HINT: Hold time settings are applicable only when the EasyTalk is in Play mode.

  • Page 45: Speaking Messages

    Messages can be played back in both Record and Play mode, but it is highly recommended that you put it in Play mode to prevent accidental erasure of messages you have recorded before passing the EasyTalk to the user. To put the EasyTalk in Play mode, slide setup switch 1 to the right.

  • Page 46: Settings For The End-User

    Volume controls The user adjusts the volume using the same knob used to turn on the EasyTalk. Once the knob is in ‘ON’ position, the user can rotate it clockwise to increase the volume and counter-clockwise to decrease the volume.

  • Page 47: Calling Alarm

    IMPORTANT: The EasyTalk is not meant to be used as a primary alarm. The user should have another available means of calling for help in case of emergency. For the EasyTalk to be useful as a calling alarm is important to keep the battery charged and the EasyTalk in perfect running order at all times.
  • Page 48 NOTES: EasyTalk User’s Handbook...

  • Page 49: Scanning

    Scanning...
  • Page 50 flashing LEDs and select messages. If you do not intend to use the EasyTalk in scanning mode, you can skip this chapter. This chapter describes the scanning option in detail, providing instructions for setting up and using scanning.

  • Page 51: About Scanning Mode

    About Scanning Mode Scanning allows the EasyTalk to be used without the keyboard ever being touched. A variety of switches can be used to select the message keys as they are lit up by LEDs located under the touch panel.

  • Page 52: Scanning Patterns

    The diagram below illustrates Linear scanning: Because the orientation the EasyTalk is held can be changed, so can the orientation of the linear pattern, from horizontal to vertical. If vertical scanning is selected, the scan proceeds from the upper left key down the first column and...
  • Page 53 Row-Column (R-C) Row-Column scanning advances row by row from top to bottom, Scanning lighting up the entire row. When switch 1 is pressed to select a row, the scan will continue within the selected row, moving left to right until a single key is selected.

  • Page 54: Selecting Scanning

    Scanning is turned on automatically with a press of a switch. As such, there is no on/off controls for scanning other than plugging in a switch and pressing it. With the EasyTalk, you can use any switch that has an 1/8” mini plug. One Switch / Two Switch...

  • Page 55: Adjusting The Scanning Configuration

    With the exception of fine tuning the scanning speed, all scanning adjustments are controlled by setup switches 8 through 11 on the bottom of the EasyTalk. For general instructions on how the setup switches work, refer to Setup Switches in Chapter Two, Equipment and Its Care .
  • Page 56 (High/Low) left to choose high speed scanning. The actual speed of the scan is decided by the Scan Speed Adjustment knob on the left side of the EasyTalk. The speed ranges are as follows: High 0.1 ~ 1 s 1 ~ 10s...

  • Page 57: Trouble Shooting

    Trouble Shooting...

  • Page 58: Common Problems

    This chapter offers some basic steps in trouble shooting problems with the EasyTalk. It will suggest remedies for common problems or oversights while using the EasyTalk. The steps are listed in order, from simplest remedy or most common problem to the more drastic measures.
  • Page 59 1. Turn off the EasyTalk. 2. Plug the charger into the EasyTalk. Make sure that the other end is plugged into a wall outlet. Make sure the wall outlet is functioning by plugging in a lamp or other electrical device.

  • Page 60: Keyboard Calibration

    To calibrate the keyboard: 1. Insert the 4 x 10 overlay. 2. Slide setup switch 1 to the left to put the EasyTalk in Record mode. RECORD/PLAY: MODE: RECORD...

  • Page 61: Servicing The Easytalk

    Repack the EasyTalk in its original packaging or similar packaging that is durable and will protect the EasyTalk from shock or other hazards. On top of the EasyTalk, place a piece of paper with the RMA Number written on it along with your name, address, and phone number where you can be reached.
  • Page 62 NOTES: EasyTalk User’s Handbook...
  • Page 63 Appendix A...

  • Page 64: Glossary Of Terms

    Calling Alarm The EasyTalk can be programmed to emit a loud beep when a key is pressed for 5 seconds longer than the hold time. Its intended purpose is to allow the EasyTalk user to send out a loud call for attention.
  • Page 65 On/Off/Volume Knob The main control for turning the EasyTalk on and off and for controlling the sound level. Overlays Thin, translucent sheets of paper that have the keyboard layout printed thereon, which can be customized with text and pictures to indicate the messages assigned to the individual keys.
  • Page 66 Setup Switches The switches on the bottom of the EasyTalk which are adjusted to control settings such as mode, play time, keyboard layout, hold time, scanning settings, and the alarm Short Play – play time that uses no compression and provides clearer sounding...

Table of Contents