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Interesting tech stuff that I find useful
Episodes
Friday Jan 21, 2022
Sunday Nov 07, 2021
Sunday Nov 07, 2021
Common apps between iOs and Android
If choosing either Samsung/Android or iOS, look at the tasks that are needed to be performed and if the apps to do those tasks are accessible.
Two specific apps which are not currently available on Android are the Microsoft Sound Scape and Seeing AI apps.
As the Seeing AI app currency mode doesn’t work with Australian currency, Cash Reader is recommended for both iOS/Android.
Where it is not obvious what the apps listed are for, there is a short description.
13Cabs
7Plus
Ten Play
SBS on Demand
ABC iView (ABC online streaming)
ABC Listen (ABC Radio stations)
A Blind Legend (audio game)
Aira (for the Aira service via phone camera
Aldi
Amazon Alexa (for use with the Amazon Echo hardware and giving access to use Amazon’s digital assistant)
Amazon
Amazon Music
Amazon Prime Video
Apple Music
Audio Game Hub (various self voicing games)
Audible (for use with Audible books - nice thing about Android version can buy within app)
Be-My-Eyes (assistance for free via video contact to volunteers around world)
Blind Bargains
Blind Drive (fantastic blind driving audio game)
Blind Cricket
BOM Weather
CoronaVirus Australia
Calm (excellent wellness app)
Cash Reader (currency identification)
Chrome (web browser from Google)
Coffee Link (for use with the Delonghi touch Coffee Machine)
Coles
Dropbox
Dyson
Disney Plus
eBay
Ember (for use with the Enmber temperature controlled BT mug)
Evernote
Fitbit (for use with the Fitbit bands - I use this with my Fitbit Charge 2)
Google Assistant (Google’s digital assistant)
Google Fit
Google Duo
Google Home (for use with the Google Nest smart speaker hardware)
Google maps
Google News
Google Play Music
Envision (uses camera for text recognition, surroundings, photos etc)
Lazarillo (excellent GPS app)
Kindle (Kindle eBooks): again can purchase Kindle books within the Android app.
MbMimic (for use with the Mount Batten Brailler)
Messenger
Menu Log
Outlook (Microsoft Outlook)
Music Healing
Netatmo (for use with the Netatmo indoor/outdoor weather modules)
Netflix:
Pocket Cast (pod catcher)
Ring (for use with the Ring video doorbell)
Sensibo (for use with the Sensibo AC device)
Spotify Music
Sunu App (for use with the Sunu Band orientation & Mobility device))
Skype
SuperSense
Tile (for use with the Tile Tag tracking system)
Tripview (public transport for Sydney and Melbourne)
TuneIn Radio
Uber
Uber Eats
VIP Code Reader (accessible QR code reader)
Vision Australia Connect (for the VA Library)
Voice Dream Reader (document reader via speech).
WeWalk
White Noise
Woolworths
Youtube
Zoom (web meetings etc)
Zomby’s Run
Wednesday Oct 27, 2021
Wednesday Oct 27, 2021
With VoiceOver running, turn on in Settings, Accessibility, VoiceOver, Hand Gestures.
Once turned on, activate when watch is waken with a double clench of your fist (need to do this every time watch is woken up).
When on:
double pinch (thumb and index finger twice) move previous item,
Single pinch (thumb and index finger once) next item,
clench (fist once) activate item, and
double clench (make fist twice) Digital Crown function.
Handy for the workout app.
Monday Oct 25, 2021
Monday Oct 25, 2021
Wednesday Oct 06, 2021
Wednesday Oct 06, 2021
My chat to customers of Vision Australia all about the Apple Watch, bands, and devices.
Sunday Aug 22, 2021
Sunday Aug 22, 2021
This is an amazing upgrade to the traditional slate or as we say in Australia hand frame.
So rather than sticking in a bit of paper, writing in Braille, and then having to take the paper out, read what you have Brailled, and then stick it back in again to continue Brailling, you just Braille or write on once side and the pins pop out on the other reading side, for you to just read what you have Brailled.
You can push any pin in with your finger tip to clear pins within a cell or use the buttons at the top and bottom to clear every 5 cells going across: eg first left top and bottom do lines 1 to 4 up to firth cell etc or top left button by itself does lines 1 to 2, and bottom right hand side button does lines3 to 4 etc, then going across to buttons 2, 3, and 4 for top and bottom.
Do not use the stylus to push in the pins on the reading side as you'll damage the pins.
It'll make more sense when you listen to the demo.
Enjoy.
Sunday Aug 01, 2021
Wednesday Jul 21, 2021
Wednesday Jul 21, 2021
Give you a physical description of the battery pack, how to check battery status, charging tips, using the pack as a wireless charger, and some general tips for usage.
Wednesday Jul 14, 2021
Wednesday Jul 14, 2021
In this demo, I give you a physical description of the ReadEasy Evolve, setup, and use.
Vision Australia Store web link to purchase is:
Friday Jul 09, 2021
Wednesday Jul 07, 2021
Wednesday Jul 07, 2021
Quick run through of the Micro Speak Plus Digital Voice Recorder.
Extremely easy to use, and copy files recorded over to Mac or PC.
Product ID for Vision Australia Vision Store is ES7427.
Enjoy.
Monday Jun 14, 2021
Monday Jun 14, 2021
This Dyson 3 in one tower unit, purify’s the air, heats, and emits cool air.
Comes in white or silver.
Prices seem to vary quite a lot, when I purchased mine they were about $750 Australian for the second two.
When setting the unit up, take it out of the box, install the Hepa filters in both sides of the base, [plug in to wall outlet, stick remote on top face down to attach.
Note - don't lift or move the Dyson via the top part of the fan unit, even though it looks tempging.
The unit is about 1 metre high, about 400MM in diameter at the base, and weighs about 5KG.
The base contains the Hepa filters, one on each side, and are easy to remove and replace by releasing the latch’s on either side of the base.
On one side of the base at the top, is a round largish on/off button (also used to Bluetooth pair the unit) as well as a small LCD screen showing air quality for example.
On the opposite side to the on/off button, but at the bottom of the base is where the 1.5 meter power chord connects.
The main fan part of the unit which sits on top of the base, is a tall oval shape, with the air coming in the back and out through the front edge of the oval sides. This air direction can be reversed.
There are no blades at all.
The oval shape fan unit can rotate 350 degrees.
The base can be tilted forward/back to adjust air flow direction down, forward or up.
The remote control has physical buttons, and magnetically connects to the top of the oval shaped fan unit.
Note - whilst the oval shaped part of the unit is open, the manual advises strongly when moving the unit, do not treat the oval area has a handle, but pick up the whole unit from the base to move it, otherwise the movement mechanism to the base may be damaged.
The unit can be controlled from the Dyson Link app on iOS or Android, and via the Amazon Echo or via Siri shortcuts.
Connecting the fan to the Dyson link app was very straight forward, and pairing when instructed was to simply hold the iPhone near the on/off button and press to initiate pairing.
Overall the Dyson Link app is accessible.
When using the Dyson from Alexa, you need to enable the skill and login with your Dyson account via the skill to link it up.
The Dyson link app works well with Voiceover on the iPhone, allowing all functions to be accessed including temperature control, fan speed, cool or heat, rotation, air purification stats etc.
The Dyson skill works well, and allows control over temperature, fan speed, hot hot or cool, and how much rotating you want the fan to do.
With the app, you can set up your current location to get current weather info, and you can also name the unit, which comes in handy if you have more than one.
Both the app and skill allow the use of multiple fans to be switched between. In the app, you select the fan via the App Menu and on the skill, each fan is numbered, and you use that number to select the fan you wish to use.
When the Hepa filter needs replacing, there is a notification. You can also check the status of the filters at any time as this info is displayed within the Dyson Link app.
Having fans in different rooms, means I can custom set fan functions for those rooms.
Most of the time, I use the “Ask
Dyson” function with Alexa to change settings on all of the fans.
Well worth the price for the functionality I receive..
Saturday Jun 12, 2021
Saturday Jun 12, 2021
These head phones offer great comfort, good sound quality with minimal design and rugged construction.
For use as a monitoring head set to a mixer, they perform very well indeed.
The head set comes in Quite a large box. Inside you will find - leather carry pouch, neatly stored head phones (they do fold up), long attached to left ear cup head phone audio cable (2.74M, with step up adapter already screwed on to the end of the 3.5MM audio jack), and warranty card.
The headphones are entirely black with silver (tactile) Audio Technica logo on the faces of both ear cups.
Audio Technica” is printed in white on the top side of the headband
The soft material on the headband and the ear cushions are made of leather.
Even though made of plastic, the body construction is well finished.
The headband has a metallic support on the inside which becomes visible where it connects to the ear cups.
The headband adjustment is very smooth, with no click in to position. However, they do stay put when adjusted.
The rotating mechanism for the ear cups is supported by a plastic hinge allowing the ear cups to fold inwards for storage or in to the provided leather carry pouch.
The head phones have large ear cups that cover the entire ear and cut out an amazing amount of external noise.
The head phones are very comfortable for all day use, no pressure on the top or side of the head.
As pointed out already, the long 2.74m cable is attached to the left ear cup of the head phones. The 3.5MM female to 6.3MM male step up adapter is already screwed on to the end of the 3.5mm jack.
In the case of the Zoom Podtrack P4, you will need to unscrew this adapter to plug the head phones in to the P4 3.5mm head phones jack..
With the excellent sound noise reduction of the ear cups (no they do not have active noise cancellation), you can concentrate on editing audio such as a podcast.
I find these head phones excellent for listening to VoiceOver out of the Mac, editing podcasts, listening to music, and because they fold up, great for use when out and about if I am podcasting with the Zoom Podtrak P4, and my Samson Q2u mics.
Note - these are straight head phones, they do not have their own microphone as found with the Audio Technica BPHS Head phones.
Tuesday Jun 08, 2021
Tuesday Jun 08, 2021
As you will b able to tell, Cleanfeed works fine on the Mac using Voiceover in Google Chrome.
Rather than just a boring demo, scott and i thought, why not chat about our old and new tech stuff.
i've combined what the Zoom Podtrak P4 was recording as far as logging in to www.cleanfeed.net was concerned, and of course, the issue with using Safari with Voiceover on the iphone for Scott aas everything including Voiceover was coming through.
So besides demoing that Cleanfeed works, i hope you enjoy my and Scott's chat.
Sunday Jun 06, 2021
Sunday Jun 06, 2021
Hi all,
This time around, no speaking from me at all.
What you will hear is me using the Siri remote to go through all the English voices for VoiceOver on the Apple TV.
I've placed chapter marks for each of the English voice categories:
Australia
India
Ireland
South Africa
UK
US
This will hopefully give you a good idea of the different voices in case you want to ever change.
Friday Jun 04, 2021
Friday Jun 04, 2021
This podcast contains all of my 12 podcast demos on the Zoom Podtrak P4.
You can navigate by chapter on the Mac via Downcast or on iOS via Overcast.
I don’t know why you want to, but you can also just listen to start to end if you really really want to smile.
Demos include my first impressions of the P4, full description of the P4, using channel 3 (TRRS) and channel 4 (UsB) on the P4, recording VoiceOver from the Mac, tips on recording and playing back recent file, using the Sound Pad to control play back of files, using the Sound Pad menu, using the Files Menu, using the Files Transfer main menu option, demo of the BTA-2 Bluetooth transceiver, demo of the Audio Technica headset with dynamic XLR boom microphone, and demo of the Samson Q2u and Backpack Studio.
Think it was funny about mid range through in the demos, where I said it was going to be my last.
Enjoy.
Friday Jun 04, 2021
Friday Jun 04, 2021
Samson 29 Q2u Podcasting PackParticularly handy for podcasting.
Plus Backpack Studio
Set up for todays demo
iPhone 12 Pro on a wireless charging stand
Magic Keyboard 2 connected to iPhone
Samsung Q2u microphone/stand.
Ear phones plugged in to mic for monitoring.
And yes, this demo was all recorded on my iPhone and Backpack Studio using the Samsung Q2u mic.
First Backpack Studio
Description from the iOS App Store
Create professional sounding podcasts and radio from anywhere using only an iPhone or iPad.
Eg both works as a podcaster and radio streamer.
With backpack studio, Your show is automatically mixed and mastered while it’s being recorded.
Features:
- Record your voice while triggering sounds live - intros, background music, and sound effects. Sounds automatically adjust volume in real time.
- A powerful soundboard with unlimited pages of soundpads.
- Import sounds into the soundboard from anywhere - iCloud, dropbox, google drive, your music library, email, even import directly from other apps.
- Find the perfect eq filter for your voice. Noise gate to lower background noise. Studio quality compression, limiting, and eq algorithms are automatically applied to your mix live for a loud, studio quality mastered sound.
- Create custom Siri Voice, external keyboard, and midi shortcuts to record and trigger soundpads.
- Encodes to all popular formats, mp3, wav, m4a,
aiff, and video.
- Publish recordings directly to iCloud, dropbox, Facebook, youtube, an FTP, Libsyn, or open in any app on your phone that accepts audio or video.
- Full VoiceOver compatibility for visually impaired producers .
Simply downloaded and installed the app.
Kept all default settings.
Added a few Pad sounds.
When using with the Samsung Q2u, Backpack found mic if already active: i.e. already plugged in to the iPhone.
Nice thing about using the app with VoiceOver, recording doesn’t include Voiceover.
Record, Pads, mic mute etc all accessible with gestures or keyboard, when I’m recording with Backpack I like to use an external keyboard, just faster control.
Using the app with a BT keyboard .
General keyboard commands
Record Command+R .
Pause P
Finish F
Delete recording D
Toggle mic on Space
Toggle mic off Space
Stop all pads X
Begin stream B
End Stream E
Show last recording L
Play last recording O
Show Recordings Z
Sound Pad keyboard commands
Play air horns 1
Play applause 2
Play laughter 3
Play Segway in 4
Play Segway out 5
Play sound 3 6
Features the Samson Q2u dynamic cardioid polar pattern mic, USB output for connecting to any Mac or Windows PC or smart phone via an adapter, XLR output for connecting to any mixer/PA system and a 1/8" (3.5MM)stereo headphone output with level control for zero-latency monitoring.
In the Samson Q2u Podcasting Pack Box
Samson Q2u dynamic mic,
puff or wind filter sock for mic head,
foldable compact desktop tripod stand with screw in mic holder,
XLR cable, and
USB mini cable.
Samson Q2u Microphone Dimensions
190MM by 55MM. 453.3G.
Cost
$150.00Au.
Description of the Samson Q2u microphone
Standard cylindrical mic and head,
Back of mic XLR, Mini USB and 3.5MM head phone ports, and
Middle of mic barrel, slide mic on/off switch.
Using the Samson Q2u Micrphone for the first time
Screw the mic holder in to the desktop stand, make sure the puff or wind filter is over the head of the mic, insert the mic in to the mic holder, extend the stand legs to sit on the table, plug in monitoring ear phones or a head set, and connect the mic to another device either via the XLR or Mini USB supplied cables.
Note - make sure the mic on/off switch on the barrel of the mic is slid forward to the on position closest to the head of the mic.
For future use, the mic usually stays connected to the stand which legs fold together, and the puff or wind filter stays on the mic.
When the mic has the XLR cable plugged in, as this is such a rugged connector, I usually leave this cable plugged in to the Samson Q2u.
For both the Mini USB and ear phones, I prefer to have these disconnected if I’m traveling with the mic in a bag.
Besides XLR cable for Mixer and Mini UsB for Mac/PC/Smart phone - adapter
To use the Samson Q2u on my iPhone, I use the Lightning camera adapter. Mini USB cable comes from the back of the Samson Q2u, plugs in to the USB port on the camera adapter cable, and the other lightning end plugging in to the iPhone.
Plugging the Samson Q2u in to my Zoom Podtrak P4
XLR cable comes from plugging in to the back of the Samson Q2u, and other end plugs directly in to one of the 4 female XLR connector ports on the Zoom Podtrak P4.
Using the Samson Q2u on the Zoom Podtrak P4
Everything is done from the Zoom Podtrak P4. No need for me to touch the mic. Mic gain, head phone monitoring, and mute is all done from the P4.
Note - all of my podcasts since getting the Zoom Podtrak P4 have been done on the Samsung Q2u microphone.
I can record directly to the Zoom Podtrak P4 on to the SD card or use the P4 as a mixer to Amadeus Pro running on the Mac.
Using the Samson Q2u on the Mac
Plug in the Mini UsB cable from the back of the Samson Q2u, other end of Mini uSB gets plugged in to a UsB to UsBC adapter, which then gets plugged in to the Mac.
Note On the Mac, using Amadeus Pro to control the Samson Q2U, again, no need to touch the mic for gain, monitoring or muting.
Using the Samson Q2u with My Smart Phone (iPhone 12 Pro)
Plugging in the Mini USB cable from back of Samson Q2u, other end of the Mini USB cable gets plugged in to the USB port on the Lightning camera adapter, with the other end of the adapter (lightning) getting plugged in to the iPhone.
Note - on the iPhone with the Lightning Camera Adapter, you will need to plug in ear phones or a head set in to the 3.5MM monitoring port on the Samson Q2u to both monitor how you are sounding, and more importantly, to be able to hear VoiceOver if you are using it.
On the iPhone, using Backpack Studio to control the Samson Q2u gain, monitoring (through the plug in ear phones on the mic itself), and mute.
Ear Phones or Head SeT
I only use ear phones or a head set directly when using the Q2u with the iPhone as its the only way I can hear VoiceOver. Just get what you prefer.
When I’m using the Samson Q2u with the Zoom Podtrak P4 or the Mac, I’m using my “what ever brand name” head set plugged in to the Mac or the P4.
Links to the Samson Q2u podcasting Pack, Lightning Camera Adapter, USBC to UsB adapter, and Backpack Studio.
Samson Q2u Podcasting Pack
Lightning to Camera Adapter
https://www.apple.com/au/shop/product/MD821AM/A/lightning-to-usb-camera-adapter
USBC to USB Adapter
https://www.apple.com/au/shop/product/MJ1M2AM/A/usb-c-to-usb-adapter
Backpack Studio
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/backpack-studio/id1438882186
Also sneaking in a link to the Mac App Store for Amadeus Pro
Thursday Jun 03, 2021
Tuesday Jun 01, 2021
Tuesday Jun 01, 2021
In this demo, I discuss and demo the BTA-2 Bluetooth transmitter and Receiver to allow you to wirelessly connect to the P4.
Note - as with connecting a TRRS cable, mic 3 (channel 3) needs to be in the most right position for the switch, and the BTA-2 plugs in to both the 2.5mm and 3.mm jacks on the side of the P$.
Monday May 31, 2021
Monday May 31, 2021
In this demo, I use my Zoom Podtrak P4 with the Audio Technica BPHS1 broadcasting head set which combines both a head set with an XLR boom microphone.
I compare it to my current desktop mic/stand, the Samson 29 Q2U podcasting kit.
Note - to use with the P4, I used a 6.3mm to 3.5mm female to male adapter to plug it in in to the head phone jack on the P4.
The cable coming off the head set splits in to an XLR mic jack and the 6.3mm head phone jack.
Certainly does the job, and great for portability, no need to carry around a XLR mic, stand, and head phones: just the head set plus the P4.
Sunday May 30, 2021
Sunday May 30, 2021
Amazingly or not, this function is still around on the Mac, although now days its called Add to Music as a Spoken Track: a great way of producing audio files from text.
Interesting what 10 years can do in how ones voice sounds more confident and relaxed smile.
David 2021
Saturday May 29, 2021
Saturday May 29, 2021
On a previous podcast, here is my catch up demo using 3 LIDAR apps on my iPhone 12 Pro.
As I mainly use People Detection, I focus in this demo mainly on Super LIDAR and the Magnifier apps.
Thursday May 27, 2021
Thursday May 27, 2021
As I say in the podcast, this demo is demoing the ECG function of the Apple Watch for folks here in Australia.
The next demo will be using LIDAR on the iPhone 12 Pro using the Magnification, Super LiDAR, and Seeing AI apps.
Wednesday May 26, 2021
Wednesday May 26, 2021
Quite like the way this remote feels, works, but still some things to work out, namely scrolling through a movie with vO on, and moving apps around on the Home screen.
Great remote, much prefer itr over the Siri Touch V1 remote.
Tuesday May 25, 2021
Tuesday May 25, 2021
My first go at actually recording a webinar using the Zoom Podtrak P4.
Still somethings to iron out like which mic to mute (Zoom or P4 grin), and doing a bit better myself changing in and out cables.
However, the recording you are hearing hasn't been touched, just conversion to MP3 for the podcast post.
I think it went well.
Tuesday May 25, 2021
Tuesday May 25, 2021
In this demo, I take you through how easy it is to use the Files menu from the main menu to playback and delete files you don't want from the P4 itself.
Enjoy, and the last one in this series for the moment as I've covered all the thrings I need to do up to this point, but there will be more smile.
Monday May 24, 2021
Monday May 24, 2021
In this demo, I show you how to directly transfer files between the P4 and in my case the Mac, via the P4 menu option File Transfer (press menu and press right 3 times, and select file transfer).
Simply puts the P4 in to a mass storage mode (turning off knobs and mics), and comes up as a P4 drive when connected via a USBC cable connected to the power/data port on the P4 (front left hand side port).
To exit file transfer, just press menu twice, and knobs and mics will return to normal operation.
Much better and safer than dragging out the SD card all the time which is exactly what I've been doing sigh smile.
Monday May 24, 2021
Monday May 24, 2021
In this demo I take you through using the Sound Pad sub-menu from the main menu for selecting different sounds, the way they repeat, and the volume of a sound.
The first time you go in to the menu via the Menu button, press right arrow (Stop button), then Enter/Select (Record button) to bring up the Sound Pad custom sub-menu.
If you don't restart the Podtrak P4, next time you go out and in to the menu, Sound Pad will already be selected, so just press Enter.
As nothing talks as such in these menus, just practise ggoing in and out and it will become easier.
Sunday May 23, 2021
Sunday May 23, 2021
In this demo, I show you how you can use the Sound Pad to:
Top Left button rewind, time jump or beginning of file,
Top right button fast forward, time jump or end of file, and
Bottom left button beginning of file.
When using the Sound Pad buttons, use the Play/Pause button. Pressing Stop will revert the Sound Pad files back to their usual function.: i.e. playing sounds.
Saturday May 22, 2021
Saturday May 22, 2021
Enjoy. Due to the Podtrak P4 and getting excited about podcasting again, I've added my intro/out sound file that L Woodbridge did for me to the Podtrak for future use.
And yes, I'll be doing a demo later on accessing the Sound Pad, which is not strictly accessible, but works as you can tell with this intro I added to my Sound Pad.
Am I having fun, absolutely.
Friday May 21, 2021
Friday May 21, 2021
In this demo, I show you how you can use the TRRS cable to record from another device such as an Amazon Echo Dot, and also use a lightning to UsB Camera adapter on channel 4 to also connect to your iPhone.
Remember, for both channel 3 and channel 4, the switch needs to be in the most right (3rd) position.
Friday May 21, 2021
Tuesday May 18, 2021
Tuesday May 18, 2021
Zoom Podtrak P4 Review
This is an amazing device.
A multi track recorder designed for podcasting, even for beginners, just connect mics and head phones.
It is a multi-track recorder, mixer, and a 2 channel audio interface to a PC (Mac or Windows).
Main features of the P4:
Use your favorite mics.
Multi track recording supports for channels recorded at the same time, producing a combined file, and individual channel files.
Levels of all 4 mics can be individually altered.
4 Head phone outputs allows everyone to monitor voice levels.
Power can be via UsBC computer, USBC power or two AA battery’s (UsBC power could also be a power brick).
Remote recording of participants: channel 3 for smart phone, and channel for for PC: a Mix Minus function stops remote participants from hearing back an echo.
Instant playback of jingles via the 4 button sound pad.
The UsBC PC port can be used to use the P4 as an audio device to a PC: Mac or Windows.
P4 records at 44.1 kilohertz , 16 bit in Wav format.
Best of all, all main functions are controlled by knobs, buttons, and slide switch’s.
Use the Play, Stop and Record buttons to start/pause recordings. Menu via the Menu button is not accessible, but once options set, no need to access.
NB - when you first get the P4, install the AA battery’s, and get sighted assistance to set time/date via the menu, as well as turning on Mix Minus.
Zoom recommends that you format the SD card within the device itself (SD card not included).
What is cool from my point of view as well, is that whilst I am using the P4 as an audio device to my Mac, I can still use the record function on the P4 to also make a recording: i.e. Amadeus Pro on my Mac recording the podcast, and the P4 also making an audio recording.
Finally, some folks still like people to make local recordings which has the best quality sound, and then give those files to the podcast host who then brings them all together as a multi-track recording: which is why it is so neat that the P4 does a master file recording of all channels, but then individual file channels of each mic input/person speaking locally or remotely.
Further down the page I have listed what is now in my portable podcasting kit. At the very least you will need:
The P4 itself,
Sd card,
2 XLR mics if you are going to record yourself and another person,
2 mic stands for the mics,
2 3.5mm head phones to monitor sound (including from the sound pad) for yourself and the other person,
Power bank to supply power or just use the AA battery’s,, UsBC charger, or UsBC to UsB A cable to power P4 from a PC (Mac or Windows),,
TRRS cable to plug in an iPhone for remote recording of Facetime or other calls,
Lightning to 3.5mm audio adapter for iPhone to support the TRRS cable,
And if you are not going to leave it on a desk, some type of carrying case for the P4.
Physical layout:
Back panel - 4 female XLR mic input ports.
Front panel - 4 output 3.5mm head phone ports.
Left panel front to back - UsBC PC/power, UsBC power, Sd card slot.
Right panel front to back - , TRRS 3.5mm audio iPhone port, Bluetooth Zoom adapter port to connect via BT to smart phones, and recessed power on/off.
Bottom of unit - back edge 2 rubber feet on either side, and front edge long rubber strip (stops P4 from moving on desk). Above rubber strip, is the battery door for the AA battery’s).
Top face of unit where all the cool knobs, button’s,slide switch’s, and the screen is located (screen takes up part of the right hand face of the P4).
Going from the back top edge towards the front:
4 gain knobs for each of the XLR mic ports from left to right, channel 1, channel 2, channel 3 and channel 4.
Next row, 4 slider switch’s for each of the mic input ports, again left to right, channel 1, channel 2, channel 3, and channel 4.
Channel 1, and channel 2 slide switch’s have two settings, left Dynamic mic, and right Condenser )phantum power) mic.
Switch channel 3, and switch channel 4 have a 3rd setting on the right: switch channel 3 is to engage iPhone via the TRRS 3.5mm port on the right side, and switch channel 4 is to engage the UsBC PC/power on the left side from a PC (Mac/Windows).
Next row - 4 mute toggle buttons for each of the mic inputs, again left to right, mute channel 1, mute channel 2, mute channel 3, and mute channel 4.
It is always suggested that when a channel is not being used, mute and turn the gain down for that channel.
Then a group of 4 buttons in a 2 by 2 grid for the Sound Pads (P4 comes with preset sounds if you want to use them or create your own).
Under the Sound Pad buttons, a round knob to adjust volume for all Sound Pads.
To the right of the Sound Pad volume knob, 4 buttons: Menu, Play, Stop, and Record button.
NB - just as an FYI, when in the Menu, Play and Stop buttons move through the menu, and the Record button acts as a select or enter button.
Underneath the volume Knob, are the 4 volume knobs for each of the head sets, for monitoring mic input, corresponding to each of the mic inputs: head phone 1, head phone 2, head phone 3, and head phone 4.
NB, the gain knobs for the mic inputs have no tactile pointer, although they do stop at the top and end range (as do the knobs for head phones, and the sound pad). You can mark them with something like Loc Dots so you can tell what level you have each of the mic gains set at
Just to be clear about the size of this amazing device and the controls, as it sits facing you, its about 6 inch’s in depth with the head phone ports at the front and mic XLR ports at the back, and about 3 inches wide. The knobs are quite a discrete size, and the actual buttons for mute, sound pads, menu etc, are square buttons that are only raised a little bit above the face of the P4.
Learn about this very much accessible recorder for podcasters in episode 116 on the Mosen podcast recorded by Tim Cumings.
The following link is from a different website to Mosen Explosion which will allow you to download the actual MP3 file as well as listening to it online so you can use it as a resource whilst you are getting used to using the P4.
https://the-blind-podmaker.pinecast.co/episode/6f5ca0c9/tim-cumings-demonstrates-the-zoom-podtrak-p4
General review of the Zoom Podtrack P4 from the general tech industry
https://www.thepodcasthost.com/equipment/zoom-podtrak-p4-review/
This was an interesting article explainingg the difference between dynamic and condenser microphones, mainly aimed at producing music and vocals.
https://musicianshq.com/whats-the-difference-between-dynamic-and-condenser-microphones/
This article, this time aimed at using dynamic or condenser microphones for recording podcasts.
https://www.theseasonedpodcaster.com/gear/condenser-vs-dynamic-mic-for-podcasting/
I found reading both articles started to give me a good basic understanding of the different types of microphones and the language associated with them.
Quick tip, use a dynamic mic for podcasting, and yes, you absolutely need the TRRS cable and the Lightning to 3.5mm adapter if you want to record from your iPhone for calls etc.
Alternatively, you can purchase the Camera adapter for the iPhone which will allow you to plug in to the front USBC port and directly in to the iPhone via the adapter (in this case of course, you would then use channel 4 not 3).
Also, when you use either channel 3 mic input via the 3.5mm port to record iPhone or channel 4 mic input to record via UsBC port to PC, you can not use the channel 3 or 4 mic ports as XLR mic inputs: they are not available.
Zoom Podtrak P4 User manuaL:
https://zoomcorp.com/media/documents/E_P4.pdf
Zoom Home Page for the Podtrak P4
https://zoomcorp.com/en/jp/podcast-recorders/podcast-recorders/podtrak-p4/
This is what my podcasting kit now consists of:
Zoom Podtrak P4,
4 dynamic mics with stand/puff filters,
4 noise cancelling head sets,
accessible power bank (originally from AT Guys),
several SD cards,
hard shell carrying case for P4,
all necessary cables (TRRS, 3.5MM Lightning adapter, 2 UsBC to UsBA cables, camera adapter, and UsB wall charger), and
SD card reader for M1 MacBook Pro.
10 pack of AA battery’s,
computer bag for carrying.
Of course, M1 MacBook Pro for editing recording from SD card
from Zoom Podtrak P4.
Monday May 17, 2021
Monday May 17, 2021
Manufacturer website:
App: Dot Watch 2 (Android and iOS).
iOS
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dot-watch-2/id1362946706
Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dotincorp.dotApp&hl=en&gl=US
Documentation:
Tutorial and user guide within the Dot Watch 2 app or the following online link.
https://doc.dotincorp.com/manual/dot-watch-1-a/
The product box also contains a quick start guide in Braille for using the Dot Watch (no print version).
Video and promotional material produced by Dot Incorporated:
Brief product description:
4 cell refreshable Braille smart watch with magnetic loop band for small and large wrist sizes. Can be used in stand alone or connected to iOS or Android.
Note - via the Dot watch 2 smart phone app, the Dot Watch can either be set to be used as a traditional Braille watch or tactile watch with cell and dot positions being used to display main functions such as battery status, time etc.
When purchasing, Dot Watch with small band or Dot Watch with large band are sold as an entire unit: i.e. can not swap out bands.
Physical description:
Round large wrist watch.
White top with silver surround.
4 horizontal refreshable Braille cells in middle of watch face.
2 touch scroll points below cells 2 and 3 for scrolling left/right.
Right side of watch if warn on left wrist - dot crown in middle, Home and Select buttons on either side of Dot crown.
Magnetic metal loop band (silver).
Charging port for magnetic charger bottom opposite side to Home, Crown, and buttons.
What is in the box:
Well constructed product box with Braille identifying the Dot Watch.
Dot watch with metal band attached.
Braille booklet.
Magnetic charger with attached USB cable.
Three moisture and dust protective skins (fourth protective skin already installed on watch as shipped).
Main features:
1. Compatible devices:
The dot watch is compatible with the following versions of iOS and Android.
iOS V9 and above.
Android V4.4.4 and above.
2. Pairing the Dot Watch.
Easy to pair using the Dot Watch 2 smart app, select Pair from the main app screen.
Setup process will take user through a tutorial on how to use the Dot watch.
3. Dot Watch 2 Smart app.
Easy to navigate and use.
Works with VoiceOver or iOS or Talkback on Android/Samsung.
4. From the Dot Watch itself (Main Menu)
Connection status to smart phone.
Battery status.
Time (shown by default, can also show seconds and date).
Notifications (if turned on from Smart Phone app)..
Stop watch.
Timer (set minutes and seconds)..
Memo (if written from smart phone)..
5. From the Dot Watch 2 app.
Alarm (set up to 10 alarms).
Hourly time toggle.
Find Dot Watch (makes Dot Watch vibrate, press Select button on watch to stop).
NB - from the Dot Watch itself, press Select and Home buttons twice to activate Find My Phone, will make phone play a loud sound each time this command is used.
Add, edit, and delete memos.
Access and delete saved notifications.
Study Braille.
6. Dot Watch 2 Dot Watch Settings.
Output settings.
Display settings.
Notification settings.
Language settings.
Firmware update.
Watch information.
Unpair.
Benefits:
Can be either used as a traditional Braille watch or for non Braille users tactile watch with cell and pin positions representing main functions such as battery level, time etc (Braille or tactile mode set via the Dot Watch 2 app).
As a stand alone refreshable Braille Display watch. Time on watch can be set manually without the use of a smart phone.
Works with both Android and iOS.
4 cell refreshable Braille Display which can be scrolled to read further text in notifications or memos.
Clear and easy to read Braille or tactile dots.
When pressing the Select button, time is display. Other menu options can then be easily accessed.
Hourly time can be toggled which will display time and cause the Dot Watch to also vibrate on the
hour.
10 alarms can be set via the Dot Watch 2 app. When alarm goes off, alarm 1, alarm 2 etc will be displayed on the Dot Watch: eg a l NumberSign 1, a l NumberSign 2 etc.
10 memos can be added, edited or deleted from the Dot Watch 2 smart phone app (240 characters max per memo).
The Dot Watch can display 12 or 24 hour time via the Dot Watch smart phone app.
The Dot Watch can display date in Month Day or Day Month via the Dot Watch 2 smart phone app.
Via the Dot Watch 2 app, vibration intensity, auto scrolling speed, display timeout duration, reverse buttons to where on right hand, Braille or tactile modes can be all adjusted.
Protective skins are there to protect the Braille cells from dust etc (note protective skin already installed on watch, not using the protective skin may void warranty). More skins can be obtained.
As magnetic loop strap is used, band can be adjusted for comfort.
Good mechanical feedback when pressing either Home or Select buttons, and when turning the Dot Crown.
Solid connection via Bluetooth to smart phone.
When Dot Watch moves out of Bluetooth range of smart phone, msg displayed on watch or can be checked by connection status. Similarly, msg displayed when reconnected or can again be checked in status connection.
Dot Watch is easily firmware updated via the Dot Watch 2 Smart phone app (can check within app if there is new firmware available).
The Dot Watch can be fully turned on and off, besides being in standby mode which is the usual state of operation.
The Dot Watch itself can be hardware reset (please consult user manual).
Points to consider:
As pointed out in the manual, when the display updates, do not hold your finger down on the display as this will prevent the dots from updating correctly. Most of the time you can hear the Braille dots settle after less than a second.
If the stop watch or timer functions are being used, you can hear the Braille display update, but this is quite a soft sound.
Be a little bit careful when taking off the band as the end of the band can slide through the connecting slot on the side of the Dot Watch.
As the band is magnetic, it may stick to the magnetic charger base when placing the Dot Watch on charge, just something to simply be aware of which is also pointed out helpfully in the manual.
To make it easier for users, the receiving slot on the side of the Dot Watch which takes the band does protrude from the side of the Dot Watch.
Due to the need for battery and the Braille Display, the Dot Watch does sit out a bit from the wrist.
Do not remove the protective skin from the dot Watch.
Hints and Tips:
Holding in Home button for 3 seconds will turn Dot Watch fully off, holding the Home button in again for another 3 seconds will turn the unit back on.
When Dot Watch in sleep (standby) press Select button to activate menu, time will be displayed.
Use Dot Crown to scroll up and down menu, scroll away for battery status and connectivity status, scroll towards you for rest of menu items. Each time the menu option changes, a vibration will be felt.
Use Select button to activate an item from the main menu once moved to it via the Dot Crown.
When in one of the menu options, you can press Home button to exit.
When displaying items on the main menu, some menu options are abbreviated to fit in to the 4 cells: noti for notifications, stop for stop watch, and timr for timer,
When time displayed, pressing Select button will show seconds, pressing Select button again will display date, and pressing Select button will show the time again.
When selecting stop watch, press Select button to start/pause stop watch, hold in Select button to reset stop watch.
When selecting timer, adjust minutes with Dot Crown, press Select button, adjust seconds with Dot Crown, press Select button to start timer. When complete Dot Watch will pulse vibrate with the word tout for time out. To reset timer back to starting value, hold in Select button for a few seconds.
When notifications selected, use Dot Crown to scroll through numbered list of notifications from smart phone, press Select button to select a notification start reading with touch pad buttons or auto scroll via holding in Select button.
Use Home button to put display to sleep or wait for display timeout.
Use the touch sensor area below cell 2 and 3 to scroll left or right within a memo or notification.
Dot Watch will vibrate when receiving a notification from the smart phone.
When receiving incoming call to smart phone, press Home to reject or Select to answer: on iPhone, first press of Select button will display caller ID, and 2nd press of the Select button will answer call.
Besides Find Dot Watch from the smart phone app to find the Dot Watch, press Select and Home buttons twice to make smart phone play a sound so the phone itself can be located (of course within Bluetooth range).
Charging and Battery life:
3 hours charging time.
No issues placing Dot Watch on charger and charging unit.
3 days battery life depending on use.
Support:
Within Dot Watch 2 app for contact/support details.
Email - support@dotincorp.com.
Online manual - https://doc.dotincorp.com/manual/dot-watch-1-a/
Cost:
USD $299.00.
Similar products:
No similar refreshable Braille smart watch’s on the market.
Warranty:
1 year manufacturer warranty.
Sunday May 09, 2021
Thursday Apr 29, 2021
Thursday Apr 29, 2021
Like the title says, quick start setup to get you using your new cool AirTag.
Enjoy.
Sunday Mar 21, 2021
Sunday Mar 21, 2021
In this demo, I show you how you can use the Nimbus Game Controller with BlindDrive, this really really brings the game to life. Remember, 12 years and above, but I chose a non swearing chapter in the game (Getting Through) to demonstrate the use of the NimbusSteel Series Game Controller. Enjoy.
Monday Mar 15, 2021
Monday Mar 15, 2021
Voice Control on iOS Using VoiceOver
Voice Control is very handy on the iPhone with VoiceOver.
You do get better results if you use head phones.
Turn on Voice Control in Settings, Accessibility, voice Control.
You may need to set Voice Control Language to United States rather than Uk in Voice Control Settings.
Handy commands:
What can I Say? (Need to use VoiceOver to read screen
Go To Sleep
Wake up
Go Home
Go Back
Scroll Left, Right, Up or Down
Open App Switcher
Open Notifications Centre
Open Control Centre
Open AppName
Open Siri
Open Spotlight
Tap or Press NameOfControl
Turn Up Volume
Turn Down Volume
Repeat X Times
Search for ItemName
Command Mode
Dictation Mode
VoiceOver Select Next Item
VoiceOver Select Previous Item
VoiceOver Activate
VoiceOver Read All
VoiceOver Stop Speaking
VoiceOver Select First Item
VoiceOver Select Last Item
VoiceOver Select Status Bar
VoiceOver Magic Tap
VoiceOver Select Next Rotor
Voiceover Select Previous Rotor
VoiceOver Select Next Rotor Option
VoiceOver Select Previous Rotor Option
VoiceOver Item Chooser
Sunday Mar 14, 2021
Wednesday Mar 03, 2021
Wednesday Mar 03, 2021
This is what I use all the time to get video files from the Camera/Photo apps on to my Mac, and articles from my Mac on to my iPhone.
Thursday Feb 25, 2021
Sunday Feb 21, 2021
Sunday Feb 21, 2021
As I have now scratched the stainless steel on meh iPhone 12 Pro only after less than 2 weeks after dropping it once, I've now gone for a MagSafe case and whilst I was at it a wallet.
Note - when the Wallet is on the back of the iPhone or on the back of the case with the iPhone in it, you can't charge via the MagSafe wireless charger, of course, you can still plug in a lightning cable.
Thursday Feb 18, 2021
Sunday Feb 07, 2021
Sunday Feb 07, 2021
In this demo, I take you through a physical description of the Mantis Q40, how to navigate the system, and connect via Bluetooth or USB.
Saturday Jan 30, 2021
Saturday Jan 30, 2021
In this demo, I take you through setting up my M1 Macbook Pro using VoiceOver.
In this demo, I show you the other onboarding accessibility options, but do not go through customising the Mac as I did in the M1 Macbook Air demo.
Wednesday Jan 06, 2021
Wednesday Jan 06, 2021
The bug is that left and right bracket are announced by VoiceOver as left and right parenthesis, so I show you a work around to make these two symbols announce correctly.
Wednesday Dec 30, 2020
Tuesday Dec 29, 2020
Tuesday Dec 29, 2020
Excellent free fun game with hundreds of sound packs to choose from too test out your Beat Rhythm skills.
Download from https://oriolgomez.com.
Sunday Dec 27, 2020
Sunday Dec 27, 2020
Simply 3 steps:
In VoiceOver Utility/Navigation, choose Mouse to follow VoiceOver cursor,
Make sure VoiceOver Trackpad Commander is turned off by VO+2 finger rotate counter clockwise, and
Control+Click when in the Dock via VO+D to bring up the Context Menu.
Thursday Dec 24, 2020