Mercury II User’s Guide ™ Assistive Technology, Inc.
Assistive Technology, Inc. has made every effort to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate; it is not responsible for printing errors. The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Assistive Technology, Inc. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the written permission of Assistive Technology, Inc.
How do I get started with Mercury? Use the information in this book to set up your Mercury and use it most effectively.
What built-in features does Mercury have? Touchscreen ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Turn Mercury on or reset it. ○ Power Button ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Headphone/Preview Jack ○ ○ Plug in additional speakers here. ○ ○ Plug in a single switch or a splitter here.
CD-RW/DVD-ROM Drive Install software, run programs, listen to music CDs, make backup copies of your files, and play movies on DVDs. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ What other features does Mercury have? ○ ○ Foldaway Handle ○ ○ ○ ○ Stereo Speakers ○ ○ ○ ○ To open the drive, push the thin button in the middle of the door. See page 17 to learn more about the CD/DVD-ROM Drive. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Built-in Microphone Record sounds and speech.
How do I set up and turn on Mercury? 1 Attach the power cord to the AC Power Adapter, then plug the power cord into a wall socket or power strip. 2 Plug the AC Power Adapter into the AC Power Adapter/Battery Charger Port on the bottom left side of Mercury. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ The Status LED will blink when the AC Power Adapter is inserted.
4 Press the Power Button on the side of Mercury to turn it on. ○ ○ ○ ○ Be sure that nothing is touching the screen while the Mercury is starting up. ○ ○ ○ ○ 3 Plug your keyboard and mouse into the USB ports on the left side of the Mercury. You will need these as you set up the Mercury and learn how to use it.
How do I get started? After you click on the Start button, ○ the Start menu will appear. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ When you turn on your Mercury, the Mercury Control Panel will load and will always be available from the Taskbar (see below). ○ From the Control Panel you can launch software applications; adjust the Mercury speaker and headphone volume, brightness of the display, the touchscreen and switch inputs; and put your Mercury in Stand By mode or shut it down.
Where can I learn about basic Windows skills? ® If you need help with basic Windows concepts, such as clicking and using files and folders, choose the Tour Windows XP shortcut button from the Start menu (you can also get to this tutorial by choosing All Programs, then Accessories). After the introduction, click on the Windows XP Basics button and follow the instructions.
Where do I go to learn more? Choose Help and Support from the Start menu. The Help and Support Center window appears, with a variety of tools to help you solve a problem or learn more about a Windows feature. Choose a topic from the Pick a Help topic column, or type key words in the Search box. Click on any of the topics that appear. If you didn’t find the information you needed, enter different key words.
How do I find something on the Mercury hard drive? ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Double-click on a folder to view its contents. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 1 2 Select My Computer on the Start menu. Alternatively, click My Documents on the Start menu. Click the Search button at the top of the window that appears. Make a selection from the left pane to begin your search.
How do I switch between programs that are open? Speaking Dynamically Pro and Windows Media Player are the open programs in this example. To switch to a different program, click anywhere on the window of that program. The Taskbar lists all programs that are currently running. If a program is running but its window is minimized or covered by other windows, click on its button on the Taskbar to switch to○ it.
What is the Mercury Control Panel? The Mercury Control Panel provides access to a variety of Mercury features and controls. Use these buttons to shut down the Mercury or put it in Stand By mode. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Click the Speed Buttons to run your speech ○ application, the on○ screen keyboard, or your remote controls. You can edit these buttons and add buttons to customize your Mercury. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Shows time remaining if charging, or time left on battery if unplugged.
If you click the Setup button on the Mercury Control Panel, you will see the Main Setup screen. Click on the tabs below to switch to different setup screens. Use this check box to ○ restrict access to Setup options by requiring a keyboard to type . Use this check box to restrict access to Setup options by requiring a password (entered at the right). ○ For For For For Speed Buttons, see p. 13. Switches, see p. 32. Remote Control, see p. 22. Power, see p. 41.
How can I customize the Speed Buttons in the Control Panel? This Setup screen allows you to add or remove Speed Buttons to customize your Mercury. You can have up to 6 Speed Buttons in a group, and any of the buttons can link to other groups, giving you an unlimited number of possible Speed Buttons. 1 2 3 Click the Setup button on the main screen of the Mercury Control Panel, then the Speed Buttons tab. To add a new button to the Home group, click the Edit button next to the first empty button.
You can create a Speed Button that links to another group of Speed Buttons. Below is an example of a Speed Button group of games. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 1 Click the Add button to create a new group. In this example, the group is named Games. 2 Add a Speed Button to the Home group that will link to Games. To do this, click the Edit button.
5 Click the new Games group, then add buttons for your Games using the same method described in the Wordpad example on page 13. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Click OK and save the changes to your Games and Home button groups. Try out your new Speed Buttons. Click the Wordpad button to launch Wordpad. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Click the Home button to return to the Home group.
How do I turn Mercury off? Use the Shut Down button on the Mercury Control Panel to turn off your Mercury. Use the Stand By button to put it into Stand By mode. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Use Stand By mode when you leave Mercury for a short time. Mercury uses very little power in Stand By mode, so you increase the amount of time you can operate Mercury on its battery. In Stand By mode, the Mercury screen will go blank, and the status LED will blink green.
How do I use the CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive? With Mercury turned on, press the eject button on the CD/DVD-ROM door, and pull the tray open. Place a CD or DVD on the tray (label-side up) and then align the hole in the disc directly over the round clip in the center of the drive. Press down until you feel the disc snap into place. Close the tray gently until it latches. To run or install software from CD-ROMs: 1 Attach your external keyboard.
To make backup copies of your files and folders to a CD: You will find it easy and convenient to make backup copies of your data files to a CD using the CD Writing software in Windows XP and blank CD-R or CD-RW discs that you purchase. 1 Place a blank CD disc in the CD/DVD drive. In the dialog box that appears, click OK to open a writable CD folder using Windows Explorer. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Names of files appear here.
To play movies on DVDs: It is easy to play movies on your Mercury. Place the DVD in the CD/DVD drive. In most cases, the movie will start automatically. If the movie DVD also contains computer files, you may be prompted to install them. If you do not wish to install the computer files, cancel those options. If the movie on the DVD does not automatically play, double-click the WinDVD icon on the Mercury desktop. When WinDVD starts up, the DVD will play and the WinDVD Player shown below will appear.
What software is included with the Mercury? Mercury comes with a variety of software installed. Some functions of these programs may require mouse and keyboard. You may need additional software for your particular input method to work with them. Microsoft® Internet Explorer—browser software that gives you access to the World Wide Web. You need to set up an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) before you can go online.
Handy Tools for Speaking Dynamically Pro and Boardmaker ® Mercury comes with two features that are specially designed for use with Speaking Dynamically Pro and Boardmaker software from Mayer-Johnson LLC. This software is pre-installed on your Mercury if you ordered a Communication Software Set or purchased it separately when you ordered your device.
How do I set up Mercury’s remote controls? Before you use the Mercury Remote Control for the first time, you will need to set up the remote control codes for the particular television, VCR, cable system, DVD player, or satellite system you have. You can set up multiple rooms, each with different devices. 1 Click the Setup button in the Mercury Control Panel (see page 11), then click on the Remote Control tab. 2 Click the Add button to add a room. Type a name for the room in the small window that opens.
How do I use Mercury’s remote control features? First, set up the remote controls, as described on the previous page. Then, to use them, click the Speed Button for Remote on the Mercury Control Panel (see page 11). 2 From the choices at the top of the Remote Control window, click on the device you want to control. 3 Click the buttons on your Mercury’s “virtual” remote to operate the device. The buttons that are available depend on the type of device.
How do I program other applications to use Mercury’s remote control? All the actions for Mercury’s remote control buttons, as well as the actions for the Mercury Control Panel buttons for volume, brightness, stand by, hibernate, and shutdown, exist as individual files that can be launched from any program capable of launching applications, such as Speaking Dynamically Pro (SDP)*.
Selecting Multi-digit Channels with Speaking Dynamically Pro® Entering a two- or three-digit channel number (any channel number above 9) typically requires careful timing in order to be successful. For example, if you want to enter channel 56, and pause for too long between pressing the 5 and pressing the 6, your device may change first to channel 5 and then to channel 6, rather than to channel 56. This may be even more difficult for switch users when scanning from one digit to the next.
How do I connect Mercury to the Internet? You need to be physically connected to the Internet by the built-in modem or by Ethernet using a USBEthernet adapter (see page 36 for recommended products). You also need to have an account with an ISP (Internet Service Provider) before you can access the Internet. Your ISP may provide instructions and installation disks. If your ISP does not provide installation materials: 1 2 Open the Start menu.
What type of input device should I use? Who uses a keyboard? A person with fine motor skills who can identify target keys either by letter and number or pictures is a good candidate for using a keyboard. Any standard USB keyboard or alternative keyboard such as the IntelliKeys® from IntelliTools, Inc., as well as the Windows On-Screen Keyboard will work with Mercury. Who uses a switch? A person with very limited movement is a good candidate for a switch.
How do I use the Windows On-Screen Keyboard? The Windows On-Screen Keyboard can be used in click or hovering (dwell) mode with a mouse or joystick for selecting characters, or can be used in scanning mode using a keyboard or switch input. 1 Click on the Keyboard button on the Mercury Control Panel (see page 11). ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ On-Screen Keyboard 2 At the Settings menu on the On-Screen Keyboard, choose Typing Mode.
3 To use the On-Screen Keyboard in hovering (dwell) mode with a mouse or joystick, select Hover to select. Adjust the minimum hover time by choosing a number from the Minimum time to hover list. (Click to select is for direct mouse or touchscreen selection.) 4 To use the On-Screen Keyboard in scanning mode with a keyboard or Mercury switch input, select Joystick or key to select. Choose a number from the Scan interval list to set the scanning speed. Click the Advanced button to select the Keyboard key.
How do I calibrate the touchscreen? The touchscreen interprets your touch and moves the cursor where you move your finger. You can adjust or “calibrate” your touchscreen for your individual touch from the Mercury Control Panel. Use your finger or a stylus on the touchscreen; do not use sharp objects that can scratch or puncture it. 1 2 3 Click the Setup button on the Mercury Control Panel (see page 11), then in the Main Setup tab under Touchscreen click Touchscreen Setup.
Additional Touchscreen Features If you need to access right mouse button functions from the touchscreen, click the Click Settings tab, and then the Enable right click emulation check box. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ If you need to change the way the touchscreen responds, click the Touch Settings tab, and then choose either Normal, Touch down or Touch up.
How do I attach a switch to Mercury? To use a single switch (for automatic scanning): Insert the plug from the switch into the Switch 1-2 jack on the side of the Mercury. Click the Setup button in the Mercury Control Panel, then click the Switches tab and set Switch 1 to the function required by the program you are using. Make sure that Switch 2 is set to Ignore. To use two switches simultaneously (for dual-switch scanning): Use a dual switch (such as the Rocker switch from Tash, Inc.
How do I adjust Mercury to work with a switch? A switch connected to the Mercury normally acts like a mouse button. It translates switch 1 presses into left mouse button clicks. Many switch-accessible programs will require this setting. Some programs require a different setting. To change the settings: 1 2 Open the Mercury Control Panel. Click the Setup button, then click the Switches tab. Use the program’s documentation to choose the correct settings for either single- or dualswitch scanning.
How do I set up Mercury to work with my wheelchair electronics? If you are powering your Mercury with a wheelchair battery, install the Mercury wheelchair power cable (purchased separately from ATI) and make the power connections from the port on the wheelchair to the Mercury AC Adapter/Battery Charger port. To use the wheelchair joystick as an input device with your Mercury, connect the larger 9-pin connector of the Wheelchair Joystick Cable (purchased separately from ATI) to your wheelchair ECU connector.
If you want to change what your joystick does: 1 Open the Mercury Control Panel, click Setup, then click the Edit Custom button under Joystick on the Switches tab. 2 The Custom Joystick Setup window will appear. Choose the settings appropriate for you and the programs you use. (Select Ignore for unused directions.) ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Check your software documentation to determine which keystroke to enter here, if you want the joystick to send keystrokes.
What other devices work with Mercury? The USB ports let you plug in a range of devices without having to shut down and restart the Mercury. For example, you can plug a mouse and keyboard into the USB ports on the side of Mercury.
How do I use headphones? To listen to headphones privately (or anytime you want to turn off the built-in speakers), open the Mercury Control Panel. Turn down the Speaker volume (to 0) and set Headphone volume as desired. The headphone preview feature is supported for Speaking Dynamically Pro software or any program that uses the left channel for previews and the right channel for the main voice. In the Mercury Control Panel, click Setup, then click Enable under Headphone Preview on the Main Setup tab.
How do I set up Mercury for accessibility? Modifying features in the Windows Control Panel and other options can make Mercury easier to access for some users. Display Control Panel To enlarge the size of the text that appears on windows and menus, choose Control Panel from the Start menu. At the Pick a Category screen, choose Appearance and Themes. Then choose Display from the Control Panel icons near the bottom of the screen. Select the Appearance tab on the Display Properties window that appears.
Accessibility Options Control Panel For keyboard users: At the Start menu, choose Control Panel. At the Pick a Category screen, choose Accessibility Options. Then choose the Accessibility Options Control Panel icon at the next screen. At this window you can turn on and off features such as StickyKeys, FilterKeys, and ToggleKeys. Folder Options Control Panel At the Start menu, choose Control Panel. At the Pick a Category screen, choose Appearance and Themes.
How do I use the Mercury stand/mount? The stand/mount lets you place the Mercury on a desk or other flat surface at an appropriate angle. The stand/mount also provides a way to mount the Mercury onto a wheelchair. The stand opens to a wide range of angles. Use a viewing position that is comfortable and stable and does not tip forward. To adjust the angle of the device, place the unit on a table, touchscreen facing up, with the Mercury foldaway handle farthest from you.
How do I adjust Mercury power settings? Mercury has several power settings that you can adjust. To view or change the settings, click the Setup button on the Mercury Control panel, then click the Power tab. Adjust the level at which Mercury warns○ you of a low battery or shuts down the Mercury. Choose the suspend mode you prefer. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Choose which power buttons are available on the Mercury Control Panel main screen.
What do I need to know about the Mercury battery? Mercury runs on a Lithium Ion battery with a charge that lasts approximately seven hours with average use. It recharges when plugged into its AC Power Adapter. The battery fully recharges in approximately four hours while plugged into the AC Power Adapter. Additional Mercury batteries as well as an optional external battery charger are sold separately by Assistive Technology, Inc.
What if I have a problem? If Mercury won’t respond, the pointer won’t move, or the display is dim: Tap the screen. It may take a few seconds to respond. If not, try to cancel what Mercury is doing: Press the keys simultaneously. Choose Task Manager and then click on the End Task button. If the Mercury does not respond, press the keys simultaneously and click on the Shutdown button in Task Manager. If your Mercury still doesn’t respond, restart it.
If your touchscreen does not respond after you turn on Mercury: Check that the touchscreen is not cracked, scratched or damaged, and that nothing is pressing on the touchscreen. If your mouse and keyboard work properly, check that the TSHARC driver is loaded. Restart Mercury by selecting Turn Off Computer from the Start menu and then choosing Restart. If this does not solve the problem or if you need assistance in following these instructions, call ATI Technical Support (1-800-793-9227).
How do I clean and care for Mercury? For your own safety and to protect your Mercury, always disconnect the power plug (by pulling the plug, not the cord) and remove the battery if any of the following conditions exist: the power cord or plug becomes frayed or otherwise damaged you spill something into the case your Mercury is exposed to rain or any other excess moisture your Mercury has been dropped or the case has been otherwise damaged you suspect that your Mercury needs service or repair you
Is there anything else I need to know? Follow these instructions to use Mercury safely and wisely. When setting up and using Mercury, remember the following: Read the installation instructions carefully before you plug Mercury into a wall socket. Keep these instructions handy for reference by you and others. Follow all instructions and warnings that appear on the Mercury screen. Use only the power adapter that came with Mercury.
If you have a problem with your Mercury and nothing in the manual helps, call Assistive Technology, Inc. at 1-800-793-9227. Attempting to repair Mercury yourself will void your warranty. Do not move Mercury if you hear its hard disk spinning. When you put the Mercury in Stand By mode, wait until the screen is dark before moving it. If your Mercury has been in a cold place for several hours, let it warm up to room temperature before using it.
Technical Information Communications regulation information FCC declaration of conformity 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. Radio and television interference The equipment described in this manual generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy.
Ringer equivalence number (REN): less than 0.1. The REN is useful to determine the quantity of devices you may connect to your telephone lines and still have all those devices ring when your telephone number is called. In most, but not all areas, the sum of the RENs of all devices connected to one line should not exceed five (5.0).
Warning Users should not attempt to make such connections themselves, but should contact the appropriate electric inspection authority or electrician. Telephone jack type: CA-11 Informations destines aux utilisateurs Canadiens L’étiquette d’Industrie Canada identifie un matériel homologué. Cette étiquette certifie que le matériel est conforme à certaines normes de protection, d’exploitation et de sécurité des réseaux de télécommunications.
