Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Operators
Guide
First Edition
March 2014
Copyright 1989-2007 by Advanced Translations Technology, Inc., Calabasas, CA
Blaze, impression, impressionSync, StenoSync, WebCaption, eScript, AudioScript, vScript,
LexNET, AudioProof, Winner2000, WinnerXP, WinnerVR, AutoIndex, AutoEdit, AutoProof,
ProCAT Ensemble, GrandView, Blaze, LitiVision, StenoWorks, Surround, EmphaSYS,
ProWriter, ProWriter II, ProWriter Plus, Stenopaq, Flash, Stylus I, and Stylus II are
trademarks of Advanced Translations Technology, Inc. ProCAT and CaptiVision are
registered trademarks of Advanced Translations Technology, Inc. Stentura 6000, Stentura
8000, SmartWriter, and Baron Transcriptor X are trademarks of Stenograph Corporation.
StenoRAM I, StenoRAM II, StenoRAM III, and StenoRAM Ultra are registered trademarks
of Xscribe, Inc. MeritWriter is a trademark of Vertical Software Systems. TurboWriter is a
trademark of Cheetah Systems. StenoWriter is a trademark of StenoCAT Inc. MS-DOS,
Windows, Windows 95 Windows ME, Windows Xp, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows
8 are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. HP LaserJet and DeskJet are registered
trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Company.
Disclaimer: Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Advanced Translations Technology, Inc. The
software and/or databases described in this document are furnished under a licensee
agreement or nondisclosure agreement. The software and/or databases may be used or
copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement. It is against the law to copy the
software on any medium except as specifically allowed in the license or nondisclosure
agreement. The purchaser may make one copy of the software for backup purposes. No
part of this manual and/or databases may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or information
storage and retrieval system, for any purpose other than the purchaser's personal use,
without the express written permission of Advanced Translations Technology, Inc.
Printed in the USA
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Software Licensing Agreement
The following is a copy of your software licensing agreement and warranties. Please read it carefully. Your
use of the ProCAT software constitutes your acceptance of the following Agreement.
LICENSE. Advanced Translations Technology, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as "ATT") hereby grants to you
and you accept a single user license to use the ProCAT programs and related materials (the ProCAT
programs and User's Manual are collectively referred to as "Materials") delivered with this license
agreement on a single computer, or on an additional computer but not on a local area network. You agree
that you will not transfer or sub-license your rights under this agreement, and ATT reserves the right to sell
or give licenses to use the ProCAT software to other persons and firms. A copy of ProCAT software is being
furnished to you with this license agreement, in computer readable format, and on magnetic medium.
TERM. This license agreement begins the day you first use the magnetic medium on which the ProCAT
programs are recorded or the day you have mailed an executed copy of this agreement to ATT, whichever
comes first, and continues so long as you use the Materials in accordance with this agreement.
ATT's RIGHTS. You acknowledge that the Materials are the sole and exclusive property of ATT. By
accepting this license, you do not become the owner of the Materials, but you do have the right to use them
as outlined and limited in this agreement. You further agree not to transfer the Materials in any form to any
person without the prior written consent of ATT. You will use your best efforts and take all reasonable steps
to protect the Materials from unauthorized reproduction, publication, disclosure, or distribution.
YOUR AGREEMENT. You agree to execute and promptly return a copy of this agreement, to comply
with all of the provisions of this agreement, and not to copy the Materials received from ATT in whole or in
part, except as specifically authorized in the instructions accompanying the programs, unless ATT consents
in writing.
LIMITED WARRANTY. ATT warrants the CDs on which the ProCAT programs are recorded to be free
from defects in material or faulty workmanship, in normal use and service for a period of ninety days from
the day the Materials are shipped to you. If, during this period, a defect in the CDs should appear, and you
have executed and returned a copy of this agreement, the CDs may be returned to ATT for replacement
without charge. EXCEPT FOR THE WARRANTY DESCRIBED IN THIS PARAGRAPH, THERE ARE NO
WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ALL SUCH WARRANTIES
ARE EXPRESSLY AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED.
LIABILITY. You agree that regardless of the form of any claim, ATTs liability for any damages to you or
to any other party shall not exceed the license fee paid for the Materials. IN NO EVENT SHALL ATT BE
RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOST PROFITS,
EVEN IF ATT HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO
NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO
YOU.
GOVERNING LAW. This License Agreement is to be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the
laws of the State of California. If any provision of this license agreement in any way contravenes the laws of
the state or jurisdiction in which this license agreement is to be performed, such provision shall be deemed
to be deleted and, if any term of this license agreement shall be declared by final adjudication to be illegal or
contrary to public policy, it shall not affect the validity of any other term or provision of this License
Agreement.
ATTORNEYS' FEES. If any legal action is brought by either party to this License Agreement against the
other party regarding the subject matter of this license agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to
recover, in addition to any other relief, reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses.
WHOLE AGREEMENT. This license agreement constitutes the entire Software License Agreement
between you and ATT.
-3-
Introduction
Thank you for investing in ProCAT. You have purchased the finest writer
money can buy. It is very easy to operate, and feature-rich. It combines
Microsoft's ultimate computer user-interface technology with decades of
ProCAT's experience in the legal community.
We have constantly updated our products to meet the needs of our clients and
continually strive to find better ways to serve our clients. The "Blaze" is a
reflection of that commitment because; it is a compilation of all the features
that our clients have requested. We are committed to continue to find more
ways to serve you. We invite you to tell us which features you would like to see
us include in future updates. We encourage you to communicate your needs
with us at comments@procat.com.
We look at this as a partnership. You contribute your expertise in litigation,
and we'll bring in the computer technology know-how to build a better
product. That's a win-win partnership.
Bob Bakva
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Table of Contents
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Overview
This document is intended to be a user guide so that you may understand and
efficiently use this feature-packed writer. Additionally, this document only covers
those functions of Microsoft Windows needed to use the Blaze. It is your
responsibility to become very familiar with the operations of Microsoft Windows.
A brief overview appears at the beginning of each chapter. The rest of the chapter
is divided into sections, each section describing a "function" of the software. It is
highly recommended that you read each chapter in its entirety. Some chapters are
provided for setup purposes only; therefore, it is not necessary to be referenced
after you have set up and begun using the software. The table of contents is
designed to be a detailed list of all the functions, thus making it easy for you to
find procedural instructions for using a function included with the Blaze writer.
The index page is provided to allow you to find a certain subject quickly.
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Conventions
-8-
Your Blaze Packing List
Carrying Case
Your Blaze Writer
Tripod
Charger
Warranty
USB cable
Realtime Cable
Blaze Drivers and Utilities CD plus computer based training
-9-
Getting Started
Insert the impression Drivers and Utilities CD into your computer, and select the first
menu option, Computer Based Training. Follow the on-screen instructions to view the
tutorial.
" The writer will not turn off if the USB cable is connected to the writer. Always
be sure to disconnect the USB cable first before attempting to turn the writer off.
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Using the Blaze Touch Screen
The Blaze writer is equipped with a touch sensitive LCD display. Using the pad of your
index finger, you may select and move around on the Screen. See the Scrolling
tutorial, to learn how to use the touch screen.
Your Blaze writer is equipped with a Lithium Ion battery, which is the best rechargeable
type battery available. It is not necessary to drain the battery each time before charging.
Connect the charger to a wall socket and connect the cable into the connector located on
the rear panel.
While the charger is connected, the Red light on the right will remain on. Let your Blaze
writer charge over night for a full charge. When the battery is fully charged, the red light
will change to green, indicating that charging is complete.
When the writer is turned on, the main Blaze program will display the battery charge level
on the status bar of the Blaze main screen. While the batteries are charging the level will
always display the percent of charge the battery is at currently.
" You may use the writer while you are charging the battery.
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Connecting the USB Cable
B A
Connect the square end of the USB cable to this connector. The USB cable is used for
connecting your computer to the Blaze writer for uploading dictionaries or layouts. It can
also be used as one of the methods for connecting to retrieve your job files.
Connects to
Impressions
USB B Port
Connects to
Computers
USB Port A
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Attaching and Detaching the Tripod
The Blaze writer is equipped with a standard Tripod. Follow the instructions for attaching
your tripod. The tripod will attach into the circular opening in the bottom center of the
Blaze writer chassis.
1. With the Blaze facing you, reach under the left side and locate the release button.
2. Press the Release button while turning counter clockwise on the tripod neck.
3. Lift the Blaze, using the finger holds up and off the tripod.
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How to Retrieve Jobs
There are a few methods to retrieve your job files. This will depend on what type of file
you want and what software you use.
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Set the Time on the Blaze
" It is extremely important that your Blaze operate with the correct date and time
settings. The internal storage device uses the current date and time for time stamping
and data storage. Operating your writer with an incorrect clock may render the
internal data useless or make the data recovery process very time consuming.
The date and time will automatically synchronize with your computers clock when you
create a partnership with Microsoft ActiveSync, or Windows Mobile Device Center. See
the chapter, Installing the Software for more information.
If you do not install ActiveSync or Mobile Device Center, or if you do not create a
partnership, or if the time remains incorrect, follow these steps to manually adjust the
time:
1. Turn the Blaze on
2. Tap the Menu button on the side menu bar
3. Highlight Blaze
4. Select Set Time.
5. Use the arrows to select the correct year and month.
6. Tap the correct day
7. Set the hours, minutes, and seconds using the up-down arrows to adjust as
necessary. Tap the PM to select or de-select PM as appropriate.
8. When all the information is correct, tap Apply, then OK.
It may take to up to 20 seconds for the time display to update with the adjusted time.
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Configuring the Blaze Writer
The following sections will describe some of the advanced features of the Blaze writer
hardware.
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Adjusting the Keyboard Tension
! The wheel has a limit to how much it will turn. Do not force it to turn or
you may damage the writer.
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Adjusting the Keys Electronically
The Blaze writer is adjusted to the lowest depth of stroke possible before shipping. When
writing with this state of the art writer, you will find that in most circumstances the
electronic key contacts will adjust themselves. Under normal circumstances, there should
not be any reason to adjust the electronic settings. If this procedure is not done properly,
it may temporarily make the writer unusable and/or damage the writer.
When writing, the Blaze keeps track of your key presses, it will then average out the type
of key press you have made on any key of your writer. Then it will adjust to give you the
most accurate reading of what is a key press and what isnt. If you have a tendency to
stack, you should find that with this technology stacking would lessen.
However, if you find that you need to fine-tune your keys, there is a way to do this. It is
recommended that you call Technical Support for guidance with this process.
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Using the Reset Button
The reset button can be used to force the writer to turn off instantly. Under normal
circumstances, there should not be any reason to use the reset button. This is only to be
used as a last resort to force the writer to turn off. In order for the writer to turn off or
restart, the USB cable must be unplugged from the writer. If the writer does not turn off,
first make sure the USB cable is disconnected. The reset button is located on the back
panel of your Blaze.
RESET BUTTON
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Installing the Software
The following advanced options are only available to you when you install both Microsoft
ActiveSync or Windows Mobile Device Center and the ProCAT StenoSync software:
1. Retrieving the steno from the Blaze.
2. Synchronize time with your computer.
If you are not interested in the above options, then you do not need to install Microsoft
ActiveSync, Windows Mobile Device Center, or the ProCAT StenoSync software. Without
the software installed the only option available to you is retrieving the SmartWriter steno
file using the card reader.
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Installing Microsoft ActiveSync 4.5 for Windows Xp
1. Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD into the ROM drive on your computer.
2. ProCAT Drivers and Utilities window should come up on the screen within
approximately 30 seconds.
a. If the Auto Play window presents you
with a list of choices, choose to run the
launcher.
b. If nothing came up:
I. Find and double click on My
Computer located on your desktop
or in your Start Menu.
II. Double click on ProCAT
ImpressionSetup in CD ROM drive
to initiate the installation.
3. Click on the yellow Microsoft ActiveSync
button.
4. The Setup Microsoft ActiveSync window
will appear.
5. Click Next.
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8. The Customer Information window will
appear. This information is optional; fill
in the information if you choose to do so.
9. Click Next.
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15. The Setup is Complete window will
appear.
16. Click Finish.
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Configuring ActiveSync
- 24 -
6. Click Finish.
IMPORTANT:
ActiveSync will try to reserve the first available COM port on the computer for connecting to a serial
device. This may interfere with your realtime connection. To prevent any possible issues between
ActiveSync and realtime, please follow the steps below.
1. From the main ActiveSync window, click File, and click Connection Settings.
2. Uncheck Allow connections to one of the following.
3. Click Ok.
- 25 -
Connecting to ActiveSync for Windows XP
Note the ends of the USB cable that connect the Blaze to the computer are unique, the
square end connects to the Blaze, and the rectangular end connects to your computer.
Connects to
Blazes USB
B Port
Connects to
Computers
USB Port
- 26 -
Connecting to Mobile Devices for Vista & 7 & 8
In order to use the ProCAT StenoSync application on a computer using Windows Vista,
Windows 7 or Windows 8 operating system, you must connect the writer to the computer
and allow your computer to load the proper drivers. The connection is made available
with the USB cable.
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Installing StenoSync Program
4. Click Next.
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9. The Ready to Install window will
appear.
10. Click Install.
11. Wait for the installation files to finish
copying.
- 29 -
Using the StenoSync Software with the computer
The following sections will describe some of the advanced features of the Steno Sync
software, which you run from your computer to configure the Blaze writer.
The primary purpose of the StenoSync software is to retrieve your jobs and to export your
personal dictionary to the writer.
Unless otherwise noted, all of the following images and instructions in this chapter
pertain to the computer, not the Blaze.
To launch the StenoSync application, double-click the icon on your desktop, or go to Start,
Programs (or All Programs), ProCAT, and StenoSync.
Use this utility to import jobs from the Blaze if you use ProCAT Winner and want the
steno file to translate or if you use any CAT software.
- 31 -
Adjusting the Special Strokes: Only Mark is available for the Blaze writer
The Blaze has a built in search function to look up Questions, Answers, or Marks, within a
given job, and to place the writer in realtime hold. This page allows you to define which
strokes you will be using as Questions, Answers, Steno Marks, and Hold.
Mark Stroke: When you enter the mark stroke on the Blaze, it will mark the next steno
stroke. The steno outline will appear red on the Blaze screen. If you are connected to
realtime, the next stroke that is sent out from the writer will be a marked steno stroke.
- 32 -
Main Blaze Screen
After turning the Blaze on, you will be presented with the following window. At this point,
you may begin writing. Your steno will be saved to the internal memory.
The Blaze writer automatically saves the current file every 16 strokes, or every 20 seconds.
When you are finished writing, you can turn the writer off. When you turn the writer off,
it first saves the current file, and then shuts down.
- 33 -
Creating a New File
The Blaze writer automatically saves the current file every 16 strokes, or every 20 seconds.
When you turn the writer off, it first saves the current file and then shuts down. To
manually save the file, select File, Save, or click the Save button on the
menu bar.
- 34 -
Searching for a Specific Stroke
The Search Window allows you to search backwards through the document
for a specific stroke. The strokes for question, answer, and mark are
predefined and can be modified by using the StenoSync software on your
computer.
Options that are greyed out are not available for the Blaze writer
Stroke: This option will prompt you to enter a single steno stroke, and then search
backwards through the steno for the specific single steno stroke you specify, and
display the text and steno at that location in the document.
Mark: This option will search backwards through the steno for the mark stroke,
and display the steno at that location in the document.
Backward: By default, the Blaze searches backwards from current location in the
document. However, if you are not at the end of the document, you can disable this
option to search forward though the document.
Again: Press the again button on either the search window or on the left menu
bar to repeat the previous search.
- 35 -
Accessing the Options Window
Tap the options button or select the Blaze Options menu to access the
Options window.
- 36 -
Adjusting the General Translation Options on the
writer
Use the Options window, General tab, to turn on or off any of general translation features
listed below. The default settings that are preinstalled on the writer will work for most
situations. You may modify these settings as necessary to work with your writing style.
Any of the above options that are greyed out are not available for the Blaze
writer.
Number-bar Active: Select this option if you use the number bar for your
numbers. Unchecking this option will render the number bar inoperative.
SmartWriter File Output: Selecting this option will allow the Blaze to create a
steno file on both of the Secure Digital cards in SmartWriter format. If you do not
use ProCAT software and want to retrieve a steno file for translation, you must
select this option.
Use the Option window, Display tab, to modify the backlight for the writer. The brighter
the backlight the more power the writer will consume.
- 37 -
Aligning the Touch Screen should only be done on the advice of a technician.
- 38 -
Setting up Your CAT Software for Realtime
The following instructions are for setting up your CAT software for realtime, using the
provided realtime cable.
Note: Please contact Technical Support to setup your USB realtime cable.
1. Turn your computer and the writer on and connect the realtime cable.
2. Start your CAT software and go to your realtime preferences.
3. Select impression, Stylus, Flash, or Stenopaq as the writer type.
4. Select the COM Port number assigned to your serial port.
5. You can now connect to realtime.
- 39 -
Erasing Internal Memory
The Blaze has the ability to erase the internal memory. Follow the instructions
below to erase:
1. Click on Menu
2. Click on Impression
3. Click on Diagnostics
- 40 -
5. Place a check mark in Erase All Mem
6. Now click on Erase all Mem
7. You will get a Warning please click on yes if you are certain.
8. You will get the erasing indicator as seen below. It goes through a count
which is not how many jobs are on the writer but just a progress
indicator.
9. At the end when all is erased, you will get a message that it is complete
and you can click on Ok.
- 41 -
Technical Support
The Technical Support Hotline is available to our clients with a valid support
policy. Please call the Customer Service Department to sign-up for a technical
support plan.
- 42 -
Technical Support Policy
Our technical support hotline is available to you if you have purchased a support policy.
The support policy entitles our clients with the Premier support plan to receive telephone
support and software updates free of charge for one year. Our technical support hotline
hours are from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Emergency technical
support is available 24-hours per day. Technical support during business hours is
provided through our Western regional office. A technician on duty will provide
emergency technical support at the time you call our support line.
Please make sure the answers to the following question are yes before calling technical
support.
# Do you have your Blaze with you?
# Do you have all your Blaze cables and required adapters with you?
# Do you have the computer with your PC side Blaze software installed with
you?
ProCAT, at its sole discretion, may record any telephonic technical support
conversation for the purposes of training, software development, or as necessary.
System Requirements
Make sure you meet system requirements for the software. Support will not be provided
to those who fall below them. Those requirements are:
- 43 -
Troubleshooting
Make sure the Blaze writer is turned on and wait for the Blaze to finish loading. If you
have not already done so, connect the USB cable to both computer, Blaze writer, and
follow the steps below.
1. Right-click on the gray ActiveSync icon in your computers system tray.
2. Click on Connection Settings.
3. Uncheck Allow USB Connections.
4. Click Ok.
5. Repeat Steps 1 4, except in step # 3 enable Allow USB Connections.
6. ActiveSync will now automatically look for any attached USB devices. If the USB
cable is connected to both computer and Blaze writer, it will find the device and
ActiveSync will connect.
It may be possible to add USB ports to a laptop with a PCMCIA-USB adapter or a desktop
computer with a PCI-USB card. If you have USB ports but they are all in use, you can get
a USB-Hub that will use one of your existing USB ports, but will typically add 4 additional
USB ports. Please contact your computer manufacturer or a local computer repair shop
for more details.
1. ActiveSync does not come pre-installed with Windows, you must manually install
ActiveSync from the impression Drivers and Utilities CD, or you can download and
install it from Microsofts website.
2. You may have to run ActiveSync manually for the first time. Go to Start, Programs
(or All Programs), and select Microsoft ActiveSync. It should be near the bottom
of the list.
3. If you have Windows XP, the system tray icon may be hidden from view. There
may be an arrow you can click on just to the left of the system tray that will show
all the hidden icons.
4. If you have used any system maintenance software to cleanup your startup
programs, it is possible that the program wcescom.exe may have been disabled.
Please review any cleanup software you may have used for this program and re-
enable it.
- 44 -
I Cannot Connect to Realtime After Installing ActiveSync
ActiveSync will try to reserve the first available COM port on the computer for connecting
to a serial device. This may interfere with your realtime connection. To prevent any
possible issues between ActiveSync and realtime, please follow the steps below.
ActiveSync must have a connection to the Blaze Writer to access the menu options.
3. From the main ActiveSync window, click File and then click Connection Settings.
4. Uncheck Allow connections to one of the following.
5. Click Ok.
- 45 -
Index
- 46 -