StenoCast Edge - Frequently Asked Questions Do I need a new steno machine in order to use the StenoCast EDGE? Is the wireless connection secure from my steno machine to my computer? What happens if I am using the StenoCast EDGE and I take my steno machine outside the EDGE's range between my writer and my computer? Will the steno transmission itself be lost? How does the on-board audiosync work? Can I plug a videographer's audio feed into the EDGE in order to capture a high-quality audio recording of the proceedings? Does the EDGE allow the reporter to plug in their headset in order to hear the amplified audio generated by the videographer? Do the StenoCast EDGE and EDGE JR work with all steno machines? Do the StenoCast EDGE, EDGE JR, X7 & RED work with all CAT software and computer operating systems? How long will the battery charge last on the StenoCast EDGE before recharging is necessary? If I don't have any experience with wireless technology, is there a learning curve involved here to get up to speed? What are the main benefits to the reporter for using the EDGE? What do the different lights and symbols indicate on the StenoCast EDGE? Q1. Do I need a new steno machine in order to use the StenoCast EDGE? A1. No. You simply plug the EDGE into the serial port on your existing steno machine and follow the simple one-time installation instructions. The StenoCast EDGE attaches directly onto the serial port of almost all steno machines. If your machine's serial port has a telephone-type serial port, such as on StenoRAM IIIs, Ultras & FlashWriters, we will provide a short adapter cable. Return to Top Q2. Is the wireless connection secure from my steno machine to my computer? A2. Yes. The wireless communication between your writer and your computer is encrypted. In addition, the connection is password protected. Return to Top Q3. What happens if I am using the StenoCast EDGE and I take my steno machine outside the EDGE's range between my writer and my computer? Will the steno transmission itself be lost? A3. Absolutely not. If you walk out of range of your computer while you are connected wirelessly, the transmission stops when you get out of range, but then immediately picks up again where it left off once you come back into range. No data is lost in the interim. Return to Top Q4. How does the on-board audiosync work? A4. The EDGE has a built-in microphone and solid-state processing unit that monitors the recording levels at all times. If someone is speaking softly, the EDGE automatically adjusts to pick that up. If someone speaks loudly while standing close to the EDGE, the processor will automatically adjust so as to not "blow out" the recording. You also have the option of plugging in an external microphone, which allows the EDGE to record the proceedings in stereo. The audio file is date and time stamped, so when it is imported into your CAT software, it can be synched up with the reporter's transcript. Return to Top Q5. Can I plug a videographer's audio feed into the EDGE in order to capture a high-quality audio recording of the proceedings? A5. Yes. There is an audio-in port on the EDGE for that very purpose. Return to Top Q6. Does the EDGE allow the reporter to plug their headset into the EDGE in order to hear the amplified audio generated by the videographer's sound system? A6. Yes. There is an audio-in jack on the EDGE in order to plug in the court reporter's headset. Return to Top Q7. Do the StenoCast EDGE and EDGE JR work with all steno machines? A7. The StenoCast EDGE works with most steno machines. It works with all Stenograph products, the Stenturas, Miras, Cybras and Fusions, StenoRAM IIs, IIIs & Ultras, FlashWriters, SmartWriters, Passports & Barons. Return to Top Q8. Do the StenoCast EDGE, EDGE JR, RED & X7 work with all CAT software and computer operating systems? A8. All StenoCast products work with all CAT software on the market. The StenoCast EDGE, EDGE Lite, RED & X7 require Windows 98 Second Edition or newer. Return to Top Q9. How long will the battery charge last on the StenoCast EDGE before recharging is necessary? A9. The battery in the EDGE is rated to last from 25 up to 30 hours of continual use before recharging is necessary. The EDGE JR draws less power than the full-featured EDGE, thus you can expect 40+ hours of continual use on a single charge with the EDGE JR. You may, of course, write on your steno machine indefinitely and remain connected wirelessly while the EDGE is plugged into an outlet. It only requires two and one-half hours to fully recharge the EDGE. Return to Top Q10. If I don't have any experience with wireless technology, is there a learning curve involved here to get up to speed? A10. StenoCast's wireless devices are simpler to use than the serial cables that we were forced to use previously. Instead of disconnecting and connecting for each side-bar conference or in-camera hearing, the reporter just writes. If you get out of range, the EDGE disconnects, but then reconnects again on its own, picking up where it left off. The initial one-time set-up is a snap. Return to Top Q11. What are the main benefits to the reporter for using the EDGE? A11. The benefits to the reporter are many. They include: Have you ever had a job where a backup audio file might come in handy? A synchronized stereo audio file may prove to be a lifesaver. With the EDGE you have synchronized stereo audio recording capability that travels with you. You are storing those audio files on two separate memory cards on the EDGE. Older steno machines are wonderful in lots of ways, but data storage is not one of them. Relying on a 15-year-old floppy disk to store your steno notes is a recipe for disaster. Dual memory card backup of your steno note files allows you to sleep well at night. You may also plug the videographer's audio output into the EDGE, which allows you to make a much higher quality recording. If you choose, you may plug your headset into the EDGE and listen to the videographer's audio feed. You no longer need to carry the cumbersome cable and adapters to each job location. You do not need to disconnect and reconnect each time you go to sidebar or chambers. Almost all reporters have had, or almost had, a disaster with someone tripping over a cable draped around the reporter's work area. Those days are gone forever. Serial cables are notoriously unreliable: Either the connectors break or the cables themselves have been stepped on one time too many. In any event, the connection isn't there, which requires addition trouble-shooting and/or ultimately cable replacement. Return to Top Q12. What do the different lights and symbols indicate on the StenoCast EDGE? In the center portion of the LCD the date and time are displayed. The bottom left symbol indicates that the wireless function is turned on. The numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 will indicate the writer type that the EDGE is currently configured to work with. On the back side of the EDGE (facing the writer) there is a solitary LED light. When all systems are functioning properly, there will be a solid green light. A flashing red light indicates that the audio recording function has been turned off. A flashing yellow light indicates that the battery is running low and you should plug the EDGE into AC power. A flashing blue light indicates that the EDGE is out of range of the computer. A flashing green light indicates that the removable memory card is full and needs to be replaced. Return to Top If you are looking to add features of a new writer (synchronized audio, backups of your audio files and steno note files, wireless capability) but without the cost of a new writer (about $5,000), we have the solution for you: The StenoCast EDGE. Add the StenoCast EDGE to your existing steno machine, immediately receive the peace of mind that comes with the security of cutting-edge technology, and decide for yourself how to spend your savings. FAQs StenoCare Warranties Testimonials
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