The PAC Mate has keys on the top with the ports and switches in the back. The overall size of the QX400 is 12.3 inches (31.24 cm) x 6.27 inches (15.93 cm) x 1.62 inches (4.11 cm) and it weighs 2 lbs (.90kg).
With the PAC Mate positioned on your lap or on a desktop as if you are going to type, you will find on the back surface from right to left: the On/Off switch, the Power Jack, the Mini A/B USB port, two CompactFlash® Slots, the Infrared Port, the 1/16 inch (2.5 mm) external headset/Microphone Jack and the 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) Headphone Jack.
The CompactFlash slots on the QX400 support both CompactFlash Type I and Type II cards and peripherals. For more information on peripherals that have been tested for PAC Mate, please visit our website.
The CompactFlash cards plug into the PAC Mate in one direction only. If you insert the card the wrong way, simply remove the card, turn it over and gently reinsert the card. Never push or force the card. When you correctly insert the card, you can feel it gently plug into place.
To remove a CompactFlash card, grasp and pull the card with your index finger and thumb.
On the top surface, just above the F3 key on the Qwerty keyboard, is the speaker and just above the Print Screen and Scroll Lock keys is the internal microphone.
The reset button is on the bottom surface of the PAC Mate. To find the reset button, turn the PAC Mate bottom side up so that the rear panel is facing you. With your left hand, locate the rectangular depression that contains the serial number sticker. Just above this depression is a small, round protuberance with a hole. This is the reset button. Use an unbent paper clip, Braille stylus, or similar object to press the reset button by inserting it into this hole and pressing.
Caution: The reset button erases all data and deletes all programs. For more information, please see PAC Mate Hardware, Resetting the PAC Mate.
Also located on the bottom surface is the drawer/display release. You can find this release on the right side across from the reset button. To disengage the drawer or display, pull the release gently towards the right side of the unit.
To connect the PAC Mate Portable Braille Display, align the display so that it slides easily into the PAC Mate. Then press against each unit until they are firmly engaged.
The PAC Mate is powered with a high-density lithium polymer battery that may be charged repeatedly and at any time within the battery cycle without losing capacity. When the battery has only 20% of its charge remaining, the PAC Mate announces a warning that the battery is low. At 12% of battery life, the PAC Mate alerts you that the battery is critically low and after 2 minutes the PAC Mate will automatically turn off. Once the battery charger is connected, the battery takes approximately 4 hours to recharge. You can work with your PAC Mate while your battery is recharging without harming the unit. When you get ready to charge your PAC Mate, you must charge the battery with the AC adapter supplied with the unit.
Warning: This device has no user-serviceable components. Any unauthorized attempt to service or replace internal components by opening the case will void the product warranty.
For convenience, the Today Screen indicates the percentage of battery charge available. To refresh the Today Screen so that it reflects the most current battery charge, press JAWS Key+ESC.
Note: If you do not refresh the screen before checking the percentage of battery charge available, you will not receive an accurate measurement.
For additional information on the PAC Mate battery, please see Appendix B: Special Considerations, Lithium Polymer Battery.
Occasionally it may be necessary for you to reset your PAC Mate. Particularly, if it is operating slow and sluggish or if it stops responding completely. If this occurs often, contact Freedom Scientific's hardware technical support. However, if this occurs infrequently, perform the following to get your PAC Mate running without delay.
A warm reset does not affect your files, programs or settings. Instead, it closes all running applications and returns you to the Today Screen. This means that any unsaved data that you have written but not saved will be lost in a warm reset. To perform a warm reset, press CTRL+ALT+DELETE.
In the event that your PAC Mate keyboard becomes unresponsive, you can also perform a warm reset by holding the power switch in the on position for approximately 10 seconds and releasing it. The PAC Mate will then perform a warm reset.
A hard reset should be used only as a last resort as this erases all files and data you have created and programs you have installed. For this reason, it is recommended that you use ActiveSync to create a backup file of all of your programs and data. For more information on using ActiveSync, please see Connecting the PAC Mate, Connecting to a PC with ActiveSync.
To find the reset button, turn the PAC Mate upside down. Locate the left side middle rubber pad. Just to the left of this rubber pad is a small, round protuberance with a hole. This is the reset button.
To reset your PAC Mate, use a straightened paper clip or a toothpick and press down gently. You should feel the button move slightly as you press.
The PAC Mate carrying case is specifically designed to protect your unit. It is lightweight and water-resistant.
There are two straps supplied with the carrying case:
These straps are adjustable to maximize comfort during transport. In addition, you can easily remove the straps and store them along with other items in the case's zippered pocket.
The case can be used when the Braille display is attached as well as when it is not attached.
The plastic body of PAC Mate is made of a blend of high impact polycarbonate and heat resistant polymers that meet strict environmental standards. In order to keep your PAC Mate in good working condition, it is recommended that you store your unit in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid operating the unit around liquids or food, and always operate the unit with clean, dry hands.
Clean the unit with a dry cloth and do not use commercial cleaners on any part of the unit.
Never use or store the PAC Mate in an environment where it will be exposed to extremes of light, temperature, moisture or vibration.