Talking LabQuest Operation Manual

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The Talking LabQuest (TLQ)
Operation Manual
Software Version 1.0
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
.............................................................................................
I.
Device Overview
Page 3
A. Device Description
B. Start up/ Shut down
C. General Operation
II.
III.
Navigation Buttons
Main Page Screens
Page 7
Page 9
A. Sensor Page
B. Graph Page
C. Data Table Page
D. Lab Instructions Page
E. Notes Page
IV.
V.
Dialog Screen Navigation and
Home Menu Item Screens Overview
Global Menus
Page 14
Page 22
A. File Menu
B. Home Menu Items
VI.
Page Specific Menus
Page 30
A. Sensor Page – Sensors
B. Graph Page – Graph, Analyze
C. Data Table Page – Table
D. Lab instructions Page – View
E. Notes - Notes
Appendix A: Additional Notes and
Troubleshooting
Page 31
Appendix B: Analyzing Data with the
LoggerPro Interface
Page 33
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 3
I. Device Overview
 Charge the TLQ device for 8 hours prior to initial power on.
A. Device Description
1. The device is grey with a blue-green rubber trim. The LCD
screen (flat recessed area) indicates the front (face) of the
device. The LCD screen is centrally located and spans an area
close to the top, left and right sides of the device. Above and
to the left of the screen, is an oval power button. Below the
screen and centrally located, are device navigation keys.
2. With the device sitting on a lab table and the LCD screen facing
upwards, the device LCD screen is facing the user with the
navigation buttons in an orientation that is closest to the user.
This is the base position. The LCD screen (flat recessed area)
indicates the front (face) of the device. The LCD screen is also
the indicator for the front of the device as well as the indicator
for the top. The battery compartment is on the back side of the
device, centrally located, and encasing a rechargeable Li Ion
battery.
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 4
B. Hardware Description
1. On the left-hand side of the device, listed in an orientation
from top to bottom, are an audio in port (used with an external
microphone), an audio out port (used with headphones or
external speakers), and a power adapter port. A Docking
Station Charging Port is located on the bottom of the device.
2. From the base position, the four (4) ports on the top side of
the device are for analog sensors such as temperature, pH, and
conductivity. The ports are visually labeled from right to left,
as Channel 1 through Channel 4.
3. From the base position, the two (2) ports on the right-hand
side of the device are for digital sensors such as drop
counters, motion detectors, and radiation monitors. The ports
are visually labeled from top to bottom, as Dig 1 and Dig 2.
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 5
4. A single SD media card slot is located directly above the analog
ports and is useful for the storage of your collected data. A 1 G
SD card is included with your device.
5. From the base position, directly to the left of the analog ports,
is a large USB port (input to device) and a small USB port
(output to computer). A stylus is included and located in a
compartment directly to the right of the small USB port.
C. Software Description
1. This version of the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) is not a final
version of the product. The final version of this product will be
available for purchase in January of 2014. Free upgrades are
offered with the current device. See the Additional Notes
section for upgrade information.
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 6
2. There are different types of virtual screens that exist within the
TLQ interface. These screens consist of five Main Page Screens,
numerous Dialog Screens, six HOME BUTTON Menu Items that
each display new screens, and nine submenu items within the
Control Panel HOME BUTTON Menu Item that also display new
screens.
3. The Main Page Screens include: Sensor Page, Graph Page, Data
Collection Page, View Lab Instructions Page, and Notes Page.
Dialog Screens are found only within Main Pages and are most
often accessed through Global and Page Specific Menus that
are also found only within the Main Pages.
4. HOME BUTTON Menu Items include: LabQuest App, Power
Amplifier, Stopwatch, Audio Function Generator, Periodic
Table, Sound Recorder, and Control Panel.
5. The Control Panel HOME BUTTON Menu Item includes nine
submenus. These submenu items include: Network, Reboot,
Sound, System Information, Time & Date, Preferences, Printers,
Calibrate Screen, and Light & Power. More detailed information
about the operation of Dialog Screens and HOME BUTTON
Menu Screens can be found in Section IV, while Page Specific
Menus are described in Section VI.
D. Start up/
1. Start up
Shut down
 When the POWER BUTTON is pressed and released, the
device speaks, "WAKING UP," then starts to boot.
 The SENSOR PAGE will be displayed by default and the
device speaks, "SENSOR PAGE – DATA COLLECTION.”
Boot Time is approximately 20-30 seconds from hearing
“WAKING UP” to hearing “DATA COLLECTION.”
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 7
2. Shut down
 When the POWER BUTTON is pressed and held less than 3
seconds, the device speaks, “PRESSED, RELEASED,
CANCELLING”
 When pressed and held greater than 3 seconds
device speaks “PRESSED, STARTING SHUT DOWN.”
The device may or may not speak “SUSPENDING.”
Shut down time is approximately 15 seconds from hearing
“PRESSED, STARTING SHUT DOWN” to complete power off.
E. General Operation
 At this time, the TLQ device is best utilized for data collection.
This device has been designed to function in a “plug and play”
fashion with all compatible Vernier probes/ sensors.
 To start collecting data, from the SENSOR PAGE insert a probe
into one of the (6) ports, wait for the live data readings to start
announcing and then press the COLLECT BUTTON. Read your
collected data from the DATA TABLE PAGE. For more detailed Plug
and Play operation, please refer to the Quick Start Manual also
found on the included SD card.
Table of Contents
II. Navigation Buttons
 Button Overview
Directly below the LCD screen are hardware keys. A crescent shaped
button is in the top most position of these keys and can be found
approximately one half inch below the bottom of the LCD screen. A
one-quarter inch bevel can be felt from the inset of the bottom
portion of the screen to the front plate of the device above the
crescent shaped button.
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 8
 Below the crescent shaped button is a recessed circle with four oval
shaped buttons near the outside of the circle. These buttons are
approximately in the 11, 2, 5, and 7 o'clock positions of an analog
clock face.
 In the center of the circle is a diamond-like configuration that
incorporates five navigation buttons. Four of the keys are raised
slightly on the outside of the button and indicate the navigation
directions of left, up, right, and down. These surround a smaller
oval shaped center button.
A. Button Icons and Functions
1. Crescent shaped button = COLLECT BUTTON
 Used to start and stop data collection
 Start and stop data collection from any of the Main Page
Screens
 Toggle button
2. 11 o’clock button = BACK BUTTON
 Returns to the previous Main Page Screen without saving
changes
 Works only when in a Dialog Screen
 Closes any open Global or Page Specific Menu
 Will not close screens opened with the HOME BUTTON Menu
Items
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 9
3. 2



o’clock button = PAGE BUTTON/ TAB BUTTON
Cycles through Main Page Screens
Cycles counterclockwise through fields in Dialog Screens
Cycles through Object Boxes on Main Page Screens
4. 5



o’clock button = HOME BUTTON
Opens a menu with additional options and features
Accessible PERIODIC TABLE screen is an item in this menu
Not a toggle button; use BACK BUTTON to exit this menu
5. 7



o’clock button = FILE BUTTON
Allows navigation to Page Specific Menus
Global Menu
Toggle button
6. Raised slightly on one side = NAVIGATION ARROW KEYS
UP ARROW
RIGHT ARROW
DOWN ARROW
LEFT ARROW
B. Oval button in center of navigation arrows = OK BUTTON
 Confirms the selection of Menu Items, Object Boxes and Dialog
Screen fields or buttons
Table of Contents
III.
Main Page Screens
 There are five Main Page Screens. The PAGE BUTTON only allows
forward navigation through these screens in this sequence: SENSOR
PAGE, GRAPH PAGE, DATA TABLE PAGE, VIEW LAB INSTRUCTIONS
PAGE, and NOTES PAGE. Below is an overview of each page.
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 10
A. SENSOR PAGE
 The SENSOR PAGE is the first page and is loaded by default after
booting your device.
 While the SENSOR PAGE is selected, and one or more probes/
sensors are connected to the device, live readings will be
announced at a device default interval (interval cannot be
changed). To stop the live reading announcement, open the FILE
MENU by pressing the FILE BUTTON. Navigating to another page
will also stop the live reading announcement.
 Note: Data collection will not be interrupted if you navigate away
from the SENSOR PAGE while data collection is in progress. Data
collection and storage take priority over other operations. Some
features may not be available during data collection.
1. Collect data.
 Insert an analog or digital probe/ sensor into the
appropriate port on the device. The connectors on analog
and digital sensors are different and they will only plug
into the proper connector.
 Press the COLLECT BUTTON to begin data collection;
“COLLECTION STARTED” will be spoken.
 Press the COLLECT BUTTON to end data collection;
“COLLECTION ENDED” will be spoken.
WARNING: Store your run data before beginning another data
collection! Run 1, the device default run number for initial data
collection, will be overwritten or appended automatically each
time you press the COLLECT BUTTON. This will erase collected
data. Store collected data by using the GRAPH MENU. See
Section B in this section for details.
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 11
2. Changing data collection parameters using Object Boxes
Object Boxes appear on some of the Main Page Screens and are
used to allow a quick entry into associated Dialog Screens.
 The device announces, "LOADING, DATA COLLECTION
MODE, DIALOG READY, and CANCEL" before the Data
Collection Mode Dialog Screen is fully loaded.
 Data Collection Mode Overview – This is a Dialog Screen
(see SENSOR PAGE, SENSOR MENU in Section IV for screen
navigation details)
1.)Timing
 Changes the data collection sampling rate, sampling
interval, and sampling length.
2.)Triggering
 Allows data collection to begin when certain
condition are true.
3.)Advanced
 Enables or disables advanced data collection
options.
4.)Photogate Mode
 Allows altering of collection options while using a
photogate.
Change Units – This is an on screen navigation menu
 This can be a faster way to change units for each
sensor/ probe.
 On screen menu navigation
Use the ARROW BUTTON to select the SENSOR
OBJECT BOX (this object box selection will not be
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 12
announced), press the OK BUTTON, “CHANGE UNITS”
will be announced, use the RIGHT, DOWN, and UP
ARROW BUTTONS to navigate to another unit
designation, press the OK BUTTON to confirm unit
selection.
B. GRAPH PAGE Not Yet Fully Available
 To store any run, do the follow: Navigate to the GRAPH PAGE,
press the FILE BUTTON, ARROW RIGHT to the GRAPH MENU,
ARROW DOWN to the STORE RUN menu item, press the OK
BUTTON to confirm desired selection
 Note: Although the Graph and Analyze Menus are accessible and
can be read, many of the graphing features are not yet able to be
navigated.
C. DATA TABLE PAGE
1. No Object Boxes exist on this Page
2. To navigate to the data table, press the DOWN ARROW. “RUN 1”
will be announced, press the DOWN ARROW again to hear
“COLUMN HEADER,” press the DOWN ARROW until the first row
of collected data is announced.
3. Navigate with the RIGHT ARROW or LEFT ARROW to hear units
of measurement
WARNING: Unless you store your run data, Run 1 will be
overwritten or appended automatically each time you press the
COLLECT BUTTON!
D. LAB INSTRUCTIONS PAGE Not Yet Available
 The 102 labs included with the purchase of the TLQ device can be
found on the included SD card and can be accessed by opening
each file with a web browser.
E. NOTES PAGE Not Yet Fully Available
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 13
1. No Object Boxes exist on this Page.
2. Notes describing collected data can be typed in the NOTES BOX
by using the included USB keyboard.
3. Cut, copy, paste, and clear options exist in the NOTES MENU.
 When the screen dims, you can no longer type in any field. You
can press any of the navigation keys to reactivate the screen. The
dimming action of the LCD screen will not be announced.
 To hear what has been typed in the NOTES BOX, press the FILE
BUTTON to open the FILE MENU and then press the FILE BUTTON
to close the FILE MENU. The complete text that has been typed
will be read; individual characters cannot be read or heard as they
are typed at this time.
 A selected row of data can be copied from the data table using
the TABLE MENU. Access the TABLE MENU by pressing the FILE
BUTTON, ARROW RIGHT to the TABLE MENU, and ARROW DOWN
to EDIT. Using the RIGHT ARROW to open the EDIT submenu and
select COPY. Confirm the selection by pressing the OK BUTTON.
Press the PAGE BUTTON to select the NOTES PAGE. Press the FILE
BUTTON, ARROW RIGHT to the NOTES MENU, and select PASTE.
Confirm selection by pressing the OK BUTTON.
 You can save a note, export it to a text document or send your
notes directly to a compatible printer. Instructions for Saving,
Exporting, and Printing can be found in Section IV.
 Notes saved as text files, cannot be read on the TLQ. Be sure to
save notes to the SD card, in order to access them at a later time!
Table of Contents
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 14
IV. Dialog Screens and Home Button Menu Item Screens
Overview
The use of Dialog Screens is necessary when changing data collection
parameters and completing some other operations. HOME MENU Item
Screens are similar in navigation to dialog screens and open when
items are accessed through the HOME MENU.
Dialog Screens are screens that usually ask for input from the user in
order to change default settings of the TLQ. For example, the user can
change parameters of data collection such as the sampling rate,
interval, and length by changing the default settings within the Data
Collection Dialog Screen.
HOME MENU Item Screens are those screens that open after the HOME
MENU Items are accessed and then selected. Again, navigation within
these screens is very similar to that of Dialog Screens. The most
important point to remember is that these screens close differently
than regular Dialog Screens. In order to exit a HOME MENU Item
Screen, press the HOME BUTTON, navigate to the LABQUEST APP, and
press the OK BUTTON to confirm the selection.
Because of the navigation similarities, familiarity of one Dialog Screen
will allow navigation of other Dialog Screens. Comfort should be
established with the TIME BASED Data Collection Dialog Screen. A
detailed description of navigation and parameter changing for the
default TIME BASED Data Collection Mode is provided below the list of
Dialog Screen Basics that are important to understand before
navigating within Dialog Screens. A loose framework for each of the
other Data Collection Mode Dialog Screens is provided as a Navigation
Sequence. These Navigation Sequences will list object fields in the
order in which they will be encountered only after listing the selection
method for changing parameters in those fields (i.e. mode field, drop
down box; rate field, keyboard entry; timing field, check box).
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 15
Dialog Screen Basics
 Navigation within a Dialog Screen while using a USB keyboard differs
only slightly from the navigation with the TLQ navigation keys. The
keys on the USB keyboard operate in the same manner as their
respective navigation keys. Although navigation is described below
with the use of the navigation keys, the USB keyboard is
recommended for Dialog Screen navigation. The necessary keyboard
keys for navigation are: the BACKSPACE KEY, the TAB KEY (functions
like the TAB BUTTON), the ENTER KEY (functions like the OK
BUTTON), and the ARROW KEYS (they function like the NAVIGATION
ARROW KEYS).
 Not all USB keyboards operate the screens in same manner. The
included USB keyboard is recommended for the easiest and most
consistent navigation.
 Dialog Screen parameters such as dropdown menus, radio buttons,
and check boxes can be changed using NAVIGATION ARROW KEYS
or through USB keyboard entry.
 Dialog Screen parameters requiring alphanumeric entry into fields
can only be changed through USB keyboard entry.
 The device will usually announce four words before any Dialog
Screen is completely loaded. These words are: "LOADING”, the
NAME of the DIALOG SCREEN, “DIALOG READY”, and the NAME of the
BUTTON on WHICH YOU ENTER the Dialog Screen. In the TIME BASED
Data Collection Mode example below, “DATA COLLECTION MODE” is
announced as the NAME of the DIALOG SCREEN and “CANCEL” is
announced as the NAME of the BUTTON on WHICH YOU ENTER the
Data Collection Mode Dialog Screen. Short intervals may exist
between each announcement and words may not be announced in
the order listed above. Roughly 15 seconds will elapse before any
Dialog Screen is completely loaded and ready for use.
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 16
 All Dialog Screen navigation begins at the bottom of the screen
with the CANCEL BUTTON and continues counterclockwise around
the screen. A full circle will result in the TLQ announcing “CANCEL.”
 Menu settings in a Dialog Screen will not be saved until the onscreen OK button is selected. The TLQ announces this button as
“OK.” Use the OK BUTTON NAVIGATION KEY to confirm the selection.
 When you re-enter a Dialog Screen or Home Menu Screen after
closing it, you re-enter on the last item selected.
Note: This is not true after a reboot occurs.
A. Navigation within Dialog Screens
 The ‘mode field’ is a dropdown menu and is used for changing
modes. A list of different Data Collection Modes can be viewed
by pressing the OK BUTTON after hearing the selected mode.
“TIME BASED” is the default Mode and this field can be accessed
by pressing the TAB BUTTON until “TIME BASED” is announced.
Pressing the OK BUTTON after selecting the mode field will allow
viewing of other modes when using the UP and DOWN ARROWS.
The Data Collection Modes can be changed in two ways: 1) when
“TIME BASED” is spoken, direct UP or DOWN ARROW navigation
will switch the Data Collection Mode 2) pressing the OK BUTTON
while viewing another Data Collection Mode. There are seven
additional modes that can be selected.
 To return to the TIME BASED Mode, TAB to the name of the
selected mode (i.e. Events with Entry, Selected Events, Photogate
Timing, etc.), press the OK BUTTON, navigate with the UP or
DOWN ARROWS until “TIME BASED” is spoken and press the OK
BUTTON. Wait 2-3 seconds for the Mode to change and then TAB
to another parameter.
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 17
 The ‘field title’ for any Data Collection Mode is not spoken by the
device when navigating within any Dialog Screen (i.e. “TIME
BASED” will be spoken, but “MODE: TIME BASED” will not be
spoken).
1. DATA COLLECTION MODE Dialog Screens – This Dialog Screen
is found on the SENSOR PAGE, under SENSOR MENU
a. Access this Dialog Screen by pressing the FILE BUTTON, and
then ARROW RIGHT to open the SENSORS MENU. Use the
DOWN ARROW to select DATA COLLECTION. Press the OK
BUTTON to confirm the selection.
i. TIME BASED MODE Dialog Screen Navigation
 Parameter one: Timing. Change the sampling rate,
sampling interval, and sampling length.
Full Listing of TIME BASED MODE Navigation Sequence:
1.) Entry into this Dialog Screen is on the Cancel Button. Press the
TAB BUTTON to advance to the Ok Button, Press the TAB BUTTON to
advance to the mode field. Press the TAB BUTTON to advance to the
Timing Parameters. The TLQ will announce, “TIMING.” Note that the
default initial entry is with the expanded view of this field. Press the
TAB BUTTON to advance into the rate field (rate field, keyboard
entry). This is the first timing parameter field that can be changed.
The default sampling rate is set for 2 samples/second. “RATE, 2” will
be announced when the rate object field is entered. To change the
sampling rate, press the BACKSPACE KEY and then enter the desired
number.
Note: To hear the number you entered, you must exit the object
field and then re-enter the field in order to have the device
announce what was entered in the field. Unless otherwise stated,
exiting and re-entering object fields is the protocol that is to be
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 18
used in order to hear any object field changes.
Note: The Timing Parameter Menu is expanded as a default setting,
but can be either expanded or collapsed by pressing the OK
BUTTON.
2.) After adjusting the rate, press the TAB BUTTON to advance into
the interval field (interval field, keyboard entry). This is the second
timing parameter field that can be changed. The default sampling
interval is set for 0.5 seconds/sample. “INTERVAL, .5” will be
announced when the interval object field is entered. The parameters
in this object field are changed by keyboard entry. To change the
sampling interval, press the BACKSPACE KEY and then enter the
desired number.
3.) After adjusting the interval, press the TAB BUTTON to advance
into the length field (length field, keyboard entry; units of time,
drop down box). This is the third timing parameter field that can be
changed. The first object field, the default sampling length, is set
for 10 samples/s. “LENGTH, 10” will be announced when the length
object field is entered. The parameters in this object box are
changed by keyboard entry. To change the sampling length, press
the BACKSPACE KEY and then enter the desired number. The second
object field for the sampling length is a dropdown menu for
changing the units of time. Press the TAB BUTTON to advance to the
object field for changing units. This field can be changed by hitting
the OK BUTTON and then using the UP and DOWN ARROW KEYS
through the units until the desired unit is spoken. Confirm a new
unit selection pressing the OK BUTTON. Press TAB BUTTON to exit
the Timing Parameter. The device will announce the number of
samples to be collected upon exiting this field.
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 19
 Parameters two, three, and four: Triggering,
Advanced, and Photogate Mode.
Once you have adjusted the timing parameters, press the TAB
BUTTON to advance through the headers for three collapsed menus.
These features are for advanced users and should be discussed with
a teacher before attempting to use them. Pressing the TAB BUTTON
after these menus will allow advancement to the on-screen Cancel
Button.
ii. Navigation Sequence for the EVENTS WITH ENTRY MODE
1) Enter on Cancel Button; 2) Ok Button; 3) mode field, drop
down box, “EVENTS WITH ENTRY” is spoken; 4) number of
columns field, drop down box; 5) name for event field,
keyboard entry, “EVENT” spoken; 6) units for event, keyboard
entry; 7) average over 10 seconds field, checkbox.
Note: Numbers five and six above may be repeated depending
on the number of columns selected.
iii. Navigation Sequence for SELECTED EVENTS
1) Enter on Cancel Button; 2) Ok Button; 3) mode field, drop
down box, “SELECTED EVENTS” is spoken; 4) name for event
field, keyboard entry, “EVENT” spoken; 5) units field for event,
keyboard entry; 6) Average over 10 seconds field, checkbox.
iv. Navigation Sequence for the PHOTOGATE TIMING MODE
1) Enter on Cancel Button; 2) Ok Button; 3) mode field, drop
down box, “PHOTOGATE TIMING” is spoken; 4) photogate
mode field, drop down box; 5) end data collection field, two
radio buttons; press the TAB BUTTON once to advance to the
selected radio button field “with the stop button” the other
radio button, “after
events” can be selected by hitting
ARROW UP, then OK BUTTON to confirm selection; press the
RIGHT ARROW, then type the desired number with the
keyboard.
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 20
v. Navigation Sequence for FULL SPECTRUM MODE
1) Enter on Cancel Button; 2) Ok Button; 3) mode field, drop
down box, “FULL SPECTRUM” spoken; 4) sample time field in
ms, keyboard entry; 5) wavelength smoothing field, keyboard
entry; 6) samples to average field, keyboard entry; 7)
wavelength range field, two keyboard entry object fields,
advance to second field by using the RIGHT ARROW BUTTON
vi. Navigation Sequence for GAS CHROMATOGRAPH MODE
1) Enter on Cancel Button; 2) Ok Button; 3) mode field, drop
down box, “GAS CHROMATOGRAPH” spoken; 4) start temp field
in degrees C, drop down box; 5) hold time field in minutes,
drop down box; 6) ramp rate field in degrees C/minute,
keyboard entry; 7) final temp field in degrees C, drop down
box; 8) hold time field in minutes, drop down box; 9) total
length field in minutes, drop down box; 10) pressure field in
kPA, drop down box
vii. Navigation Sequence for DROP COUNTING MODE
1) Enter on Cancel Button; 2) Ok Button; 3) mode field, drop
down box, “DROP COUNTING” is spoken 4) “Take reading on
every drop.” This is the only option available for this Data
Collection Mode
viii. Navigation Sequence for DATA MATRIX MODE
1) Enter on Cancel Button; 2) Ok Button; 3) mode field, drop
down box, “DATA MATRIX” spoken; 4) name field for rows,
keyboard entry, “SITE” spoken; 5) name field for runs, keyboard
entry, “DAY” spoken; 6) automatically increment numbers field,
checkbox that is set by default; uncheck and check with OK
BUTTON
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 21
2. SENSOR SETUP Dialog Screen- This Dialog Screen is found on
the SENSOR PAGE, under the SENSOR MENU
 The user should not have to set up any sensors while
using the TLQ. All sensors/ probes will all be
automatically detected when they are plugged into the
appropriate ports.
 Note: The Ohaus Balance is not recognized by the TLQ.
You will need to connect this sensor via USB cable to a PC
and use ISci's Voice Access Software Interface.
Instructions for using this interface can be found in
Appendix B.
B. Navigation within HOME BUTTON Menu Items and Dialog Screens
This is an overview of the HOME BUTTON Menu Items. Navigation
information and greater details about these Menus can be found in
Section V.
1. HOME BUTTON Menu Items include: LabQuest App, Power
Amplifier, Stopwatch, Audio Function Generator, Periodic
Table, Sound Recorder, and Control Panel.
2. The Control Panel HOME BUTTON Menu Item includes nine
submenus. These submenu items include: Network, Reboot,
Sound, System Information, Time & Date, Preferences, Printers,
Calibrate Screen, and Light & Power.
Table of Contents
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 22
V. Global Menus
These menus can be accessed from any Main Page Screen and allow
navigation to Page Specific Menus. The menus items are listed by the
method of accessing them.
A. FILE MENU Navigation
1. FILE MENU>NEW
 Opens a new LabQuest Application
 If no data was collected, the SENSOR PAGE is reloaded
 If data was collected and saved, data is cleared and the
SENSOR PAGE is reloaded
 If data was collected and not saved, a Dialog Screen is
opened to ask if you wish to save your unsaved data.
After saving or discarding data, the SENSOR PAGE is
reloaded.
2. FILE MENU>OPEN
 Can only open a saved .qmbl file
 Opens a new Dialog Screen
 Navigation Sequence:
1) Enter on Cancel Button, 2) Open Button, “OPEN”
spoken, 3) “FILE HEADER” will be spoken; no file name will
be able to be read, time stamp is read (time stamp varies
from date, to time only, to days of the week) 4) Select
desired file 5) TAB to OPEN 6) Press OK BUTTON to
confirm selection
 Note: Pressing the FILE BUTTON while in this Dialog Screen
may open a different menu. Press the BACK BUTTON to exit
the Menu.
 Note: If you open a saved file, you cannot collect data until
you exit the file by accessing FILE MENU>NEW.
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 23
 WARNING: When saving or exporting files, be sure to only
save to the external SD card in order to more easily retrieve
your data!
3. FILE MENU>SAVE
 Can save collected data in the .qmbl file format
 Saved files can be opened in LoggerPro
 Opens a new Dialog Screen
 Navigation Sequence:
1) Enter on Cancel Button, 2) Save Button, “SAVE” spoken, 3)
“UNTITLED” is spoken 4) enter a new name by using the
BACKSPACE KEY, then typing a new name, 5) DOWN ARROW
out of the ‘file name’ field, 4) “FILE SYSYTEM ROOT” is
spoken RIGHT ARROW to select SD card, 6) TAB to SAVE 7)
Press the OK BUTTON to confirm selection.
 Note: Pressing the FILE BUTTON while in this Dialog Screen
may open a different menu. Press the BACK BUTTON to exit
the Menu.
 WARNING: When saving or exporting files, be sure to only
save to the external SD card in order to more easily retrieve
your data!
4. FILE MENU>DELETE
 Can delete saved files
 Opens a new Dialog Screen
 Navigation Sequence
1) Enter on Delete Button, “DELETE” spoken during loading;
2) Done Button, “DONE” spoken 3) TAB BUTTON, “FILE
SYSTEM ROOT” is spoken, 4) select FILE SYSTEM ROOT or
RIGHT ARROW for SD Card, 5) DOWN ARROW to select FILE,
6) TAB to and select DELETE,7) TAB and select DONE, 8)
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 24
Press the OK BUTTON to confirm selection
 A new Dialog Screen appears asking to confirm the deletion
of the selected files 1) Cancel to keep the file, 2) Ok Button
to delete the file, 3) press the OK BUTTON to confirm
selection
 Note: Pressing the FILE BUTTON while in this Dialog Screen
may open a different menu. Press the BACK BUTTON to exit
the Menu.
5. FILE MENU>EXPORT
 Can export files as text documents
 Opens a new Dialog Screen
 Navigation Sequence
1) Enter on Cancel Button, 2) Export Button, “EXPORT”
spoken 3) “UNTITLED” is spoken, 4) enter new name by
using the BACKSPACE KEY, then typing a new name, 5)
DOWN ARROW out of the ‘file name’ field, 4) TAB BUTTON
“FILE SYSYTEM ROOT” is spoken, RIGHT ARROW to select SD
card, 6) TAB to Export Button 7) Press OK BUTTON to
confirm selection
 Note: Pressing the FILE BUTTON may open a menu in this
Dialog Screen. Press the BACK BUTTON to exit the Menu.
 WARNING: When saving or exporting files, be sure to only
save to the external SD card in order to more easily retrieve
your data!
6. FILE



MENU>VIEW LAB INSTRUCTIONS
Can view the lab instructions included on the device
Not Yet Available
Some of the Vernier labs can be found on the included SD
card and can be viewed using a computer and a web
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 25
browser
7. FILE



MENU>PLOT PERIODIC TABLE GRAPH
Plots all of the elements from the Periodic Table
Loads the element data and opens to the GRAPH PAGE
The data in the Data Table is accessible through the same
means as other collected data is accessed
8. FILE MENU>PRINT
 Will allow direct printing to compatible printers
 Not Yet Available
 Opens a new Dialog Screen
 Submenus include: Graph, Table, Lab Instructions, My
Notes, and Screen
9. FILE MENU>SETTINGS
 Can change settings for trigonometric calculations and the
number of points for derivative calculations
 Opens a new Dialog Screen
 Navigation Sequence:
1) Enter on Cancel, 2) Ok Button, 3) “RADIANS” is spoken as
the default condition, degrees and radians fields are left and
right radio buttons 4) LEFT ARROW to Degrees field 4) TAB
BUTTON to Timing field, drop down box, 5) TAB to OK, 6)
Press OK BUTTON to confirm selection
10. FILE MENU>QUIT
 Will end the LabQuest Application and will bring you to the
TLQ Desktop (Blue Screen)
 To open the LabQuest App, press the HOME BUTTON,
navigate with the UP or DOWN ARROW BUTON to LABQUEST
APP, and press the OK BUTTON to confirm selection. The
SENSOR PAGE will load.
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 26
B. HOME BUTTON Menu Item Navigation
These items are listed in the manner in which you access them.
Note: When you re-enter a Dialog Screen or Home Menu Screen after
closing it, you re-enter on the last selected item. Default settings are
reapplied after a reboot.
1. HOME BUTTON>LABQUEST APP
 Brings you to the current state of the SENSOR PAGE
 This is the only way to exit HOME BUTTON Menu Screens
 If you have a Main Page Screen Selected, the screen will
refresh, and you will remain on the currently selected
screen.
Note: This is not the same as selecting FILE>NEW.
2. HOME BUTTON>POWER AMPLIFIER
 Not Yet Available
WARNING: Accessing this may cause the device to stop
speaking and require a reboot using the Reset Button!
3. HOME BUTTON>STOPWATCH
 Not Yet Available
WARNING: Accessing this may cause the device to require a
reboot using the Reset Button!
4. HOME BUTTON>AUDIO FUNCTION GENERATOR
 Not Yet Available
WARNING: Accessing this may cause the device to require a
reboot using the Reset Button!
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 27
5. HOME BUTTON>PERIODIC TABLE
1. To access this feature: press HOME BUTTON, down arrow
to PERIODIC TABLE, press the OK BUTTON
2. Information about the elements will be read.
3. Navigation Sequence:
Enter on Hydrogen. Navigate the table with the
NAVIGATION ARROW KEYS. Press OK BUTTON on any
element to read data for: 1) Name, 2) Symbol, 3) Atomic
Number, 4) Atomic Weight, 5) Density, 6) Melting Point, 7)
Boiling Point, 8) Atomic Radius, 9) Covalent Radius, 10)
Atomic Volume, 11) Specific Heat, 12) Heat of Fusion, 13)
Heat of Vaporization, 14) Electron Activity, 15) First
Ionization Energy, 16) Oxidation States, 17) Electron
Configuration, 18) Appearance, 19) Discovery Date, 20)
Discovered By
 Note: This menu does not wrap around.
 Note: The BACK BUTTON will close the screen containing
element information and will return to the previously
selected element within the Periodic Table Screen.
 Note: To exit the Periodic Table Screen: Press HOME
BUTTON, then navigate with the UP or DOWN ARROW BUTON
to LABQUEST APP, and then press the OK BUTTON.
6. HOME BUTTON>SOUND RECORDER
 Not Yet Available
WARNING: Accessing this may cause the device to require a
reboot using the Reset Button!
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 28
7. HOME BUTTON>CONTROL PANEL
 Automatically opens to reveal nine submenu items
Press the RIGHT ARROW key once to take you to the top
of the nine item submenu
1. HOME BUTTON>CONTROL PANEL>NETWORK
 Opens a Dialog Screen
 Not Yet Available
2. HOME BUTTON>CONTROL PANEL>REBOOT
 Opens a Dialog Screen
 Can select Cancel to exit the screen; Ok to reboot
 Navigation Sequence:
1) Enter on Cancel Button; 2) Ok button
WARNING: choosing Ok ends your session, reboots the
system, and restarts your LabQuest. Your data will not
be saved! This feature acts like the Reset Button.
3. HOME BUTTON>CONTROL PANEL>SOUND
 Opens a Dialog Screen
 Not Yet Available
4. HOME BUTTON>CONTROL PANEL>SYSTEM INFORMATION
 Opens a Dialog Screen
 Not Yet Available
5. HOME BUTTON>CONTROL PANEL>TIME & DATE
 Opens a Dialog Screen
 Not Yet Available
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 29
Note: Device will start announcing and will not stop
unless you tap the X in the top, right hand corner of the
LCD screen or reboot the device using the Reset Button.
6. HOME BUTTON>CONTROL PANEL>PREFERENCES
 Opens a Dialog Screen
 Not Yet Fully Available
 Navigation Sequence:
1) Enter on LabQuest App Tab Menu; 2) RIGHT ARROW
to System Tab Menu; 3) RIGHT ARROW to Accessibility
Tab Menu; 4) UP and DOWN ARROW to navigate items;
5) UP and DOWN ARROW and OK BUTTON tomake
changes to make changes to volume, rate, pitch, and
other options
7. HOME BUTTON>CONTROL PANEL>PRINTERS
 Opens a Dialog Screen
 Not Yet Available
8. HOME BUTTON>CONTROL PANEL>CAIBRATE SCREEN
 Opens a Dialog Screen
 Not Yet Available
9. HOME BUTTON>CONTROL PANEL>LIGHT & POWER
 Opens a Dialog Screen
 Not Yet Available
Table of Contents
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 30
VI. Page Specific Menus
Most of these Menus contain advanced features and should be used
only after discussion with one’s instructor. Those menus that are most
accessible are listed below.
A. SENSOR PAGE, SENSORS MENU
1. Data Collection – See Section IV for navigation instructions
2. Press FILE, RIGHT ARROW to SENSOR MENU, DOWN ARROW to
Change Units, RIGHT ARROW to Choose Sensor. RIGHT ARROW
to Choose Unit. Confirm selection by pressing the OK BUTTON.
B. GRAPH PAGE , GRAPH MENU, ANALYZE MENU
1. Store Run – allows for first run to be stored and another run to
be completed in order to compare data
2. Press FILE, RIGHT ARROW to GRAPH MENU, DOWN ARROW to
Store Run. Confirm selection by pressing the OK BUTTON.
Note: Although the Graph and Analyze Menus are accessible
and can be read, many of the graphing features are not yet
able to be navigated.
C. DATA TABLE PAGE – TABLE MENU
1. A selected row of data can be copied from the data table
2. Press FILE, RIGHT ARROW to TABLE MENU, UP ARROW to EDIT,
RIGHT ARROW to open the EDIT submenu and select COPY.
Confirm selection by pressing the OK BUTTON.
D. LAB INSTRUCTIONS PAGE – VIEW MENU
Not Yet Available
 Some of the Vernier labs can be found on the included SD card.
They are available in html formal and can be accessed with a web
browser on a computer.
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 31
E. NOTES PAGE – NOTES MENU
1. Notes can be typed in the NOTES BOX describing collected data
by using the USB keyboard
2. Cut, copy, paste, and clear options exist under the NOTES
MENU
3. To Paste copied data from the data table: Press the PAGE
BUTTON to select the NOTES PAGE. Press the FILE BUTTON,
RIGHT ARROW to the NOTES MENU, and select PASTE. Confirm
selection by pressing the OK BUTTON.
Table of Contents
Appendix A: Additional Notes and Troubleshooting
Additional Notes
1.) This version of the TLQ is not a final version of the product. Upgrades
to the software will be available to you, at no additional cost, as they
become available, until December 31 of 2013. Be sure to keep a current
e-mail address on file with us! We will e-mail you when updates are
available. In order to receive the upgrade to your device, you will need to
follow the instructions in the e-mail. If you have a preferred contact
method that is not via e-mail or if you wish to change or update your email address, please contact our technical support department at: 1-866862-9665. If you experience any technical difficulties, you may also
contact our technical support staff to troubleshoot your device.
2.) When placed on a sound reflective surface (i.e. lab bench, desk or
other solid, non-porous surface), the speech output gives the impression
of being increased.
4.) The included USB keyboard can aid in screen navigation and is the
only method available at this time for non-visual field parameter entry.
Connect the keyboard to the TLQ by inserting the USB cable from the
keyboard into the large USB port. A note about navigation: The OK
BUTTON and the ENTER key on the USB keyboard both operate in the
same manner. The NAVIGATION BUTTON ARROW KEYS and the ARROW
KEYS on the USB keyboard also operate similarly. The BACKSPACE KEY is
essential for deleting default field text or parameters.
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 32
3.) The LCD Screen is a fully functioning touch screen. If necessary, a
sighted, friend, lab partner, or instructor can help with on-screen menu
and dialog screen navigation.
5.) When the LCD screen dims, you can no longer type in any field. When
this happens, the action will not be announced. You can press any of the
navigation keys to reactivate the screen.
6.) A Cartesian Graph can be produced by the teacher for the student to
analyze the data presented on the TLQ Graph Page.
Table of Contents
Troubleshooting Your Device
1.) One of the easiest ways to fix problems that you may experience with
your TLQ device is to press the Reset Button on the back of your device. If
your device stops speaking, will not stop announcing, or is nonresponsive please use this method before you decide to contact technical
support. This button is located on the back of the device, in the top, right
hand corner inset between where the stylus would be housed and the
little foot of the device. The button should be depressed by inserting the
tip of the stylus into the hole that surrounds the button. Press gently, one
time. Wait until it your device resets completely ("SENSOR PAGE, DATA
COLLECTION" should be announced after about 60 seconds), and resume
normal operation as instructed in this manual.
WARNING: Unsaved data will be lost when using this method!
2.) ALL navigation is interrupted if a Global or Page Specific File Menu is
open. Please refer to Sections IV, V, and VI to understand how Menus
function.
3.) If the LCD screen dims, you can no longer type in any field. When this
happens, the action will not be announced. You can press any of the
navigation keys to reactivate the screen.
4.) If your TLQ shows a blue screen with no file menus or if you are
unable to access the FILE MENU by pressing the FILE BUTTON, do the
following: press the HOME BUTTON, navigate with the UP or DOWN
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 33
ARROW BUTON to LABQUEST APP, and press the OK BUTTON. The SENSOR
PAGE will load.
Note: This navigation method is not true when you are navigating within
a Dialog Screen. Use the BACK BUTTON or TAB to and select either the
CANCEL or the OK on-screen buttons to close the dialog screen.
Table of Contents
Appendix B: Analyzing your Data with the LoggerPro Software
Interface
1.) To import data to LoggerPro 3.8 or later, complete data collection
with the TLQ device.
2.) Open the LoggerPro program on your PC.
3.) Connect the TLQ using the provided USB cable. Plug the “small” end of
the USB cable into the device and the “big” end of the USB cable into the
computer USB port.
4.) If data has been collected, LoggerPro will ask the user if they wish to
import the collected data. Select yes, and the data collected with the TLQ
will be transferred to the LoggerPro Software. You may also transfer data
from the TLQ that has been saved on the SD card included with the TLQ
device.
5.) ISci's Voice Access LoggerPro/PC Software Interface is utilized by
initiating keystrokes. The keystrokes for non-visual operation of
LoggerPro are listed below.
Window-Eyes Voice Access App
Be sure to have the latest version of your screen reading software
installed and working on your system. Install the LoggerPro or Logger
Lite Software as directed on the Installation Disk*. Download and install
the script or app package as directed on our website:
http://independencescience.com/scripts.php. Be sure the screen reading
software is running when you run the app installer. If you experience
installation problems, please contact us at:
Support@IndependenceScience.com.
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 34
*Your school’s IT personnel may be required to perform all installations.
The LabPro, LabQuest, and TLQ are able to be fully integrated with the
Logger Pro Software and the Voice Access PC Software Interface. The
Logger Lite Software is designed to only fully support Go! Products, but
can be used with the Voice Access PC Software Interface.
To learn about the advanced features and functions of the LoggerPro
Software, visit http://www.vernier.com/products/software/lp/
In addition to a PC running Windows® XP or later, there are 3 other
components necessary in order to use ISci's Voice Access PC Software
Interface: The LoggerPro Software, the Window-Eyes 7.5 screen reading
software, and the Window-Eyes Voice Access App (included as ISci's Voice
Access Software)
Window-Eyes Voice Access App
List of all devices, ports, and sensors/ probes - Ctrl + Shift + A
Window-Eyes announces the connected device, corresponding port(s), and
all recognized sensors/ probes, in order, from Analog Channel 1 to
Analog Channel 4, then Digital Channel 1 to Digital Channel 2.
e.g. user inputs Ctrl + Shift + A and then Window-Eyes speaks, “LabQuest
1, Ch1,Stainless Steel Temperature; LabQuest 1, Ch 2, pH.”
Live reading and list of recognized sensors/ probes - Ctrl + Shift + S
Window-Eyes announces the number of recognized sensors in order from
Analog Channel 1 to Analog Channel 4, then Digital Channel 1 to Digital
Channel 2, as well as the captured real time data value.
i.e. Analog Channel 1 = Sensor 1 = Temperature Probe; Analog Channel 2
= Sensor 2 = pH Sensor
e.g. Window-Eyes announces, "Two sensors connected. Temperature 28.
6 degrees C, pH 4.3”
Live reading of selected sensor/ probe - Ctrl + Shift + # (number)
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 35
Window-Eyes announces the captured real time data value.
e.g. user inputs Ctrl + Shift + #1 and “Temperature 28.6 degrees C” is
announced; user inputs Ctrl + Shift + #2 and “pH 4.3”is announced
Repeat announcement of the captured live reading of one selected
sensor/ probe - Ctrl + Shift + #(number) twice quickly
Window-Eyes announces the captured real time data value at a user
defined interval.
i.e. User initiates the key sequence and then inputs the desired pause
interval (in seconds) between each announcement into the dialog box and
presses Enter. Window-Eyes then announces the captured real time data
value at the interval selected.
e.g. User inputs Ctrl + Shift + #2 twice quickly for pH readings then
enters 5 in the dialog box and presses Enter. Window-Eyes announces,
“4.3...(5 second pause)...4.3... (5 second pause)...4.1...(5 second
pause)...4.0... (5 second pause)...4.0... (5 second pause)...3.9...” and
continues announcing or until deactivated.
To deactivate the repeat announcement function:
User inputs Ctrl + Shift + #2 twice quickly for pH, enters 0, and then
presses Enter.
Start/ Stop data collection - press Spacebar
LoggerPro will begin or end data collection. Using the default settings,
data values will appear in a table on the left of the screen and in a simple
Cartesian line graph to the right of the table.
AudioTrace Graphing Feature - After collecting data, press Alt then
arrow down to File, then arrow to Accessibility, then arrow over to view
the sub menu options
Statistical Data Feature - View statistical data related to the plotted
graph of collected data. To make a statistics box appear on the Cartesian
graph, complete data collection, press Alt then arrow down to Analyze,
then arrow to Statistics. Ctrl + Tab to select the statistics box. WindowEyes will announce, "Help for data statistics. Statistics for <Latest run>
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 36
<name of sensor>." Pressing [ will cause a Windows Dialog Box to
appear. Navigate the box containing the statistical data for the run
selected using the up and down arrows. Tab and select close to close the
box when finished. Be sure the Statistics Box is selected before trying to
analyze the data!
Ctrl + Tab - cycle clockwise through the objects on the LoggerPro screen
Shift + Tab - cycle counterclockwise through the objects on the
LoggerPro screen
Ctrl + L - store- stores latest run
Ctrl + Z - undo - in case of accidental loss of data by starting a new run;
undo, then store
Ctrl + J - autoscale - zooms the Cartesian graph so that the data points
are easily viewable
Ctrl + Alt + K -clears all data (both stored and unstored runs); can’t undo
after the clear
* When Logger Pro is running, you can access a new Logger Pro menu
underneath the Window-Eyes Apps menu. This menu contains a sub menu
called options where you can control how the headers of the data set
table are announced (both row and column, only row, only column, or
none at all).
*Refreshable braille displays are supported.
Operation Manual for the Talking LabQuest (TLQ) | 37
LabQuest product photos and some product descriptions are trademarks
or registered trademarks of Vernier Software & Technology, LLC and are
used with permission. The Window-Eyes screen reading software and
software name are registered trademarks of GW Micro.
Independence Science, LLC
3000 Kent Ave.
West Lafayette, IN 47906
P: 1-866-862-9665
F: 765-807-8665
Info@IndeendenceScience.com
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