Thank you for your purchase of HandiQ. We hope you will be as excited to use this product as we have become creating it. You'll find HandiQ to be the best equalizer system you've ever used. Although the Handi interface is intuitive to operate, we hope you take time to read this overview on the use of HandiQ technology.
If after you read and follow the steps presented in this manual you can't seem to get HandiQ to operate, recheck your steps first, then call HandiQ Customer Support at 215-736-0811 with your HandiQ purchase information and serial numbers.
HandiQ is the result of many hours of work and years of dreaming. Have you ever witnessed a sound engineer running up and down the theater aisle, or running from the monitor pit to a listening position then back to the audio controls? The adjustments the engineer chooses must be made from a referenced memory of the sound, not a real-time decision. Sometimes, in order to save sight lines at a theater show, the EQ rack must be placed on the floor. Have you ever had to move your ears down below the console to make EQ changes? Sometimes the phase shift and frequency loss you experience by moving your head is greater than the EQ change you're trying to make. There are some large, cumbersome, expensive remote control solutions on the market. But what if you could always have the EQ in your hand like a small note pad?
Digital EQ's are great for store and recall functions The lack of moving parts helps keep their cost down. Until now their main use has been for static installation situations. Digital EQ's have been left out of the dynamic performance market because they have no familiar fader interface for a trained sound technician to grab and respond intuitively to changing situations. If only there was a small inexpensive fader controller that you could walk around with . . .
This manual assumes that the user is familiar with the HotSync procedure for 3Com Palm III computer software. (The author is using a G4 Mac 400 w/OS 9.0 and 3Com's Palm Desktop 2.5 and has also used a G3 Mac 233 w/OS 8.0 and 3Com's Palm Desktop 2.1.) The user should also be familiar with the operation and use of 31 band graphic equalizers. Handi Systems Inc. assumes no liability for the misuse of HandiQ and damages that could result from misuse .
When your HandiClip arrives, check your e-mail and read the Handi Systems welcome message. The HandiQ application file is at the download section of our web site. Download the application file, "HandiQ.(version code).prc"; it's about 60K so it shouldn't take very long. Remember to note the destination directory that you select for the file. The files are compressed for MAC or IBM format; unstuff with Stuffit expander or similiar unzip application. Next, run your 3 Com HotSync Manager program and select "install" from the HotSync menu. Click the "Add to List" button. Navigate to, and select the uncompressed, "HandiQ.(version code).prc" for installation on your next HotSync. Make sure the HotSync manager is enabled and the Palm III Cradle is plugged in to your computer. Slide your Palm III into the HotSync Cradle and press the HotSync button. You should hear the familiar HotSync tones and in a few moments HotSync should complete the operation. The HotSync Log should reflect OK status for the installation conduit. HotSync places your HandiQ software in the "unfiled" section of the Palm III system.
If you follow this procedure you should be up and running in a few minutes. You must first individually check the HandiQ software, HandiClip, and Equalizer to confirm correct operation before you test the entire HandiQ setup.
Once you've followed the installation instructions above, locate "HandiQ.(version code).prc" in the unfiled section of the Palm III applications list and launch it. Next HandiQ creates and saves the database sets that it needs to run in your Palm handheld device. You will need to enter your HandiKey to drive the HandiClip. With out a HandiKey, the software is unable to transmit data to a HandiClip. Handi Software is licensed to the user and you must have your HandiKey entered in the "about Handi" screen from the file menu. HandiKeys are also case sensitive. HandiQ software is essentially a demo if the correct HandiKey is not entered. If you enter the HandiKey correctly you will hear a beep alarm that lets you know the software its unlocked. Next you will see a new curve on the screen. Congratulations! Check it out! Slide the faders with a stylus and note their high speed, real time response. Tap the MUTE button and watch the VOL fader drop to the bottom of its travel as the MUTE box is highlighted. Tap the MUTE box again and the VOL fader is back. Do you have a curve up on the HandiQ screen? If so tap the SET FLAT button on the lower left section of the screen. See what happens. You should be starting to get the idea of HandiQ's software feel.
Note - importance of stylus use.
This is a real equalizer - be careful of how you use it. Use bold deliberate motions. Sometimes the Palm Pilot touch screen interface will misbehave if you "pen up" too slowly or lightly. When you lift the pen up or bring the pen to the Pilot touch screen, make sure that you bring the pen in and out on a straight perpendicular angle to the Pilot screen. If you lift the pen sideways and slowly, the faders can still track your pen even if it's not touching the Pilot. This happens if the screen is still very close as you lift the pen tip sideways. Try to make your pen up/down events the same motion as if you were making a period for punctuation, not like the motion used for a comma or exclamation point. This condition is associated with the Palm OS and the way the Pilot touch screen works, and is unrelated to the Handi software. Pen down and pen up are big events in the Palm OS environment and they should be made as deliberately as possible.
The HandiClip battery cover has the Handi logo on it and slides back towards the RJ-11 phone connector for battery access. Slide the cover back and carefully install two AAA batteries in the HandiClip according to the polarity icons (+, -) inside the battery compartment. Replace the cover and clip the HandiClip on the Palm III. Is the HandiQ software still on? Palm III's are user programmed to sleep after 1, 2, or 3 minutes. If the Palm III has "timed out," turn it back on. Watch the green LED and click MUTE. If all is well and the HandiKey is entered to unlock the HandiQ software, you should see the green LED blink once. Slide some faders - the LED should blink each time midi messages are sent out the port. Most midi equipment will have a similar LED indicator on the front panel. If the midi indicator LED is flashing, then the interface is responding properly and you should be ready to EQ.
If the midi indicator LED is not illuminating, then the batteries are probably dead and should be replaced with fresh ones or the HandiKey is not entered correctly. If the software is in locked/demo mode an audible click will be heard from the Palm device when each fader is moved. The micro power circuitry inside the HandiClip is always in "sleep" mode and only "wakes up" when midi data messages are sent from the HandiClip. Battery life under typical daily use could be 6 months or so. We hope Handi users will keep us informed on their battery life experiences. Check our web site for the FAQ, other Handi product release information, and update news postings.
Make sure the EQ is installed correctly and is operating correctly in the sound system before you attempt to control it with HandiQ. Once you have confirmed that the EQ is functioning correctly . . .
Ultra Curve:
set the EQ to receive MIDI data on channel 1 and controller number(CNTL)64. Plug the MIDI connection to the EQ "Midi In" port. Make sure the EQ channels are now set to flat . The EQ is inoperable with HandiQ from meter display mode. The EQ must be in Equalizer mode with both green EQ and IN LED indicators on.
Protea:
1) make sure the Midi / RS232 switch on the back of the Protea unit is in the out / Midi data receive position.
2) make sure in the midi section of Protea's display the Master / Slave switch, is in slave position.
1128:
Each EQ must be a different midi channel
Use MIDI through to connect additional EQs to your HandiQ setup
Use the SET FLAT button on the HandiQ screen to reset HandiQ's eq screens to flat. You will have to tap SET FLAT once for each HandiQ channel screen. Next, make sure the HandiClip is attached to the the Palm III. Verify the HandiClip by tapping MUTE twice. The green LED Midi indicator flashes on each command.
Now plug the phone connector from the EQ into the HandiClip. Select Midi channel 1 from the menu button on the lower left screen of the graffiti pad. If you wish to watch the Ultra-Curve faders move make sure the Ultra-Curve is displaying Channel A. Protea's display will automatically update to track HandiQs settings. Next, hit the MUTE button on the HandiQ. Did the volume drop? Congratulations! Welcome to HandiQ!
Go ahead and UN-MUTE the HandiQ. Try the EQ, volume, and other features. Once you have a curve that you like it may be stored in the EQ's memory. You may then unplug and take your settings with you. The settings will not change unless you change them.
One of the best things about Handi software is the way it works naturally with your Palm III. Handi applications will not interfere with any Palm III application. You can leave any Handi application and run any Palm III application. When you return to the Handi application it will be exactly where you left off. Also, you can turn your Palm III off and when you turn it on again the Handi software will be exactly as you left it.
You may reassign the 4 desktop preference application buttons on your Palm III. Use these buttons to jump to their assigned application instantly. 3Com's setup has the buttons assigned (from left to right) as follows; calendar, contact list, to do list, and memo pad. There is also an on-screen calculator button as well as a pen swipe up command. You may choose to replace one or more of these applications with Handi applications.
(from left to right)
-button 1, calendar
-button 2, phone list
-button 3, Handi FX
-button 4, HandiQ.
I recommend assigning the pen swipe up for back light activation)
The beauty of the Palm III system is the automatic backup that HotSync enables. Make sure you include all Handi software in the backup conduit for the HotSync Manager. If you HotSync often you will always have a current copy of your data. Experience has shown that 3Com charges $100 for physical damage (broken glass, etc . . . ) to repair the Palm III. If you drop your Palm III and it stops working, you are still under warranty, and there is no physical damage, then the repair is free. When the replacement Palm III arrives, perform a HotSync, and your Palm III and HandiQ are up and running.
A nice protective case is offered by HRP Products. ("POD Case"--603-692-2118 www.hrpsports.com $19.95) It works great and it includes a paper note pad in the lid. The foam case comes with velcro strips for the back of your Palm III. If you're a demanding HandiQ user and can't be without your HandiQ you might also want to have a second Palm III for backup.
HandiQ feels great with a full sized pen stylus in your fingertips. You've been using a pencil or pen all your life. The HandiQ faders are ergonomically sized to be two handwritten characters tall. Cross Pen makes a good stylus cartridge that fits their pens. (I use a stylus/pen that's made by Throttle--800-457-2877 ttools.net $9.95).
Handi Systems also offers a complete selection of RJ-11 to Midi or XLR adapters so the signal can be run down an audio snake channel or phone wire. (we've tested 600+ feet with a month old set of batteries in a HandiClip) Be aware that standard phone cables are often wired reverse polarity at one end. and the phone system will still work correctly. HandiClip is dependent on consistent cable polarity at each end of the wire. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you use only Handi accessories to connect to your HandiClip. Use with other cables will void your warranty. Remember, if you accidentally let the smoke out of the HandiClip due to some improper electrical connection, there is no way to put it back again. The only remedy is to contact Handi Systems for a new HandiClip with fresh smoke already inside the integrated HandiClip circuitry. This special factory installed smoke is what makes the HandiClip work correctly.
One of the main differences between conventional and HandiQ system use is that the main volume control is now in your hand. You will control the gain of your systems from the HandiQ screen as you walk the house or stage. If feedback starts to runaway, pull the volume down. In conventional sound systems without HandiQ, the EQ gain is generally left at 0 or unity and the level is determined at the console's output fader setting. With HandiQ the volume is controlled in your hand. The console's output should remain fairly constant to ensure proper signal to noise ratios.
Note: During an early demo of HandiQ that was conducted on an already "hot" monitor system, someone turned up 2.5K all the way. Horrible loud feedback occurred, just as it would using any EQ system in this manner. In a panic decision the same person pulled the link phone cable from the HandiClip thinking that it would break the audio path much like unplugging a mic cable on a hot mic. Then he tried to correct his panic mistake by changing the controls back, but he hadn't plugged the link cable back in. Therefore, the HandiQ was now un-scynchronized and still unplugged. When he plugged it back in and hit synchronize, the feedback stopped immediately.
Be aware that if someone changes the EQ's front panel settings without using HandiQ and a Palm III, HandiQ will be unsynchronized with the EQ unit. If you use HandiQ "unsynchronized" don't worry - it may not matter. Always store your EQ settings in the EQ's memory so you may recall them if needed. Existing curves may be controlled from an "unsynchronized" flat A&B relative curve. If you wish to avoid unsynchronization, some EQ's will let you lock out their front panel controls.
(After touring night after night with HandiQ Ultra-Curve and using it in my home, I began to realize that unsynchronized operation of HandiQ was a desirable mode of operation and offered at times many benefits. I could control the existing curves by way of a new flat relative A&B offset. If I needed to be synchronized, the Synchronize command would guarantee that the curve in my hand was the one on the EQ unit.)
HINT: Once you're comfortable with the HandiQ System, you'll realize that small sound system changes can be made while the HandiQ controller is unplugged from the system, and then re-synchronized when you plug into the system. For example, you can take the HandiQ back to the dressing room after sound check and consult with the performers. Someone might say that their mix, or yours, was a little too bright, or could use more bass, or could be a little louder or quieter . . . whatever. Simply make the minor changes and when you reconnect with the EQ, hit synchronize on each adjusted mix. In this manner multiple users, each with their own Palm III and HandiQ software can plug in and then synchronize their own settings.
Example -
Real Time Unsynchronized Summing of Two Ultra-Curves
1) Start with a new flat HandiQ synchronized to a flat EQ channel
2) EQ to taste
3) Store curve in EQ unit's memory, and repeat the process for the second channel
4) Unplug HandiQ or deselect the Midi channel
5) Click SETFLAT on the HandiQ A&B screen
6-Plug the HandiQ interface back in or reselect the correct Midi channel
7) Continue equalizing and adding to or subtracting from the existing saved EQ curves with a new unsynchronized flat A&B offset
1-Title Bar - Contains the name of the currently running software.
2-Readout Box - Shows the current or last Channel Number, adjusted fader's name and gain.
3-Frequency Scale - Approximate reference labels of frequency domain for EQ faders. The actual exact data is displayed in the Readout Box whenever a fader or control is touched.
4-Up/Down Scroll Gain Arrows - Taping once boosts fader gain by the smallest increment. Holding down arrow boosts fader gain at a moderate constant rate.
5-Grey Shaded Fader Box - Taping once above or below the fader boosts or cuts fader gain by the smallest increment. Holding down shaded area boosts or cuts fader gain at a slow constant rate.
6-Fader - Track stylus velocity at real time. Move directly with a stylus to your desired position. NOTE: actual system response speed is dependent on EQ's ability to process MIDI commands.
7-Down Scroll Gain Arrows - Opposite of Up Scroll Gain Arrows, reduces gain when held or tapped.
8-Link Boxes - Unimplemented in this release of HandiQ . Reserved for fader group link feature in future HandiQ software upgrade.
9-Channel/Mix Select Boxes - Tapping on either EQ A, EQ B, or A&B highlights that box and displays that eq's settings. EQ A and EQ B display the absolute value curve for that channel. A&B's screen represents a relative addition to EQ A and EQ B's absolute values. Both EQ A and EQ B will simultaneously receive changes from the A&B relative screen. The absolute value of either EQ A or EQ B will include the summed gain added or subtracted from the relative A&B curve.
10-Mute - Lowers the selected eq channel's Volume fader and gain to its minimum setting. The output fader will move to full cut on the HandiQ screen.
IMPORTANT-If A&B MUTE is activated, then individual EQ A channel and EQ B channel MUTE boxes will be deactivated until A&B MUTE is un-muted.(BUG- do not attempt to use volume faders while mute is enabled)
11-Synchronize - Taping synchronize ensures the HandiQ screen curve is what is on the actual eq unit. Synchronize sends all fader data to the eq sequentially and may take a few seconds to execute. During normal HandiQ operation only single control updates are sent to the eq. Synchronize resends the entire data set from the HandiQ displayed curve to the eq and ensures the curve in your hand is synchronized to the one on the EQ unit.
12-Set Flat - Sets the current eq screen flat. All faders are set to 0dB on both the HandiQ and the EQ.
13-Undo - Used to "undo" or restore a curve from a recent Set Flat command.
14-Vol - Master volume control for that eq's gain setting.
15-Channel Select boxes. One tap access to all 16 MIDI channels
HINT: If you want to flatten the A&B curve in your HandiQ but not on the Ultra-Curve switch to an inactive midi channel or unplug the HandiClip and make the required changes.
Example: Select A&B curve. Deactivate
the midi channel or unplug the HandiClip. Tap Set Flat on the HandiQ
A&B channel box. Reactivate the midi channel or repatch the
HandiClip. Control A&B now "unsynchronized" with a new flat
relative offset. Any changes made on this offset flat eq curve will
be simultaneously and relatively added to the existing curves!
1-Title Bar - Contains the name of the currently running software.
2-Frequency Scale - Approximate reference labels of frequency domain for EQ faders. The actual exact data is displayed in the Readout Box whenever a fader or control is touched.
3-Up/Down Scroll Gain Arrows - Taping once boosts fader gain by the smallest increment. Holding down arrow boosts fader gain at a moderate constant rate.
4-Grey Shaded Fader Box - Taping once above or below the fader boosts or cuts fader gain by the smallest increment. Holding down shaded area boosts or cuts fader gain at a slow constant rate.
5-Fader - Track stylus velocity at real time. Move directly with a stylus to your desired position. NOTE: actual system response speed is dependent on EQ's ability to process MIDI commands.
6-Link Boxes - Unimplemented in this release of HandiQ . Reserved for fader group link feature in future HandiQ software upgrade.
7-Hi Pass Fader - Raises and lowers the cutoff point for the lo cut or Hi Pass filter. Tap at the shaded scroll box or scroll arrow to adjust at the finest resolution.
8-Lo Pass Fader - Raises and lowers the cutoff point for the hi cut or Lo Pass filter.
9-Delay Fader - Adjusts delay time from 0ms to 341ms in roughly 5ms increments. Tap at the shaded scroll box or scroll arrow to adjust at the finest resolution.
10-Channel Select boxes. One tap access to all 16 MIDI channels
11-Synchronize - Taping synchronize ensures the HandiQ screen curve is what is on the actual eq unit. Synchronize sends all fader data to the eq sequentially and may take a few seconds to execute. During normal HandiQ operation only single control updates are sent to the eq. Synchronize resends the entire data set from the HandiQ displayed curve to the eq and ensures the curve in your hand is synchronized to the one on the EQ unit. Synchronize sends all screen data to the EQ in order to force the EQ to synchronize to the curve on your Palm device screen.
Example: Sync is useful if someone adjusted the EQ channel from some method other than your HandiQ unit. Multiple users can re-Sync their settings from sound check when they return for performance
12-All Flat - Sets only the current eq channel/screen flat. All faders are set to 0dB on both the HandiQ and the EQ. HP, LP, and Delay are bypassed, EQ is in.
13-EQ Flat - Only sets the current displayed channel's EQ filters flat. Leaves HP, LP, Delay, and Volume alone.
* NOTE: On HandiQ Protea, FLAT commands take a few seconds to complete as the command is issued.
15-Big Fader - A large fader flying copy of any fader selected. Once any fader is selected, Big Fader is enabled and that control may be adjusted from either Big or small fader.
16-Mute - Lowers the selected eq channel's Volume fader and gain to its minimum setting. The output fader will move to full cut on the HandiQ screen.
17-Fader Elevator Box - Track with the stylus to set fader position.
18-Data Readout Display - Displays from left to right:
1st Current EQ and midi channel.2nd fader filter frequency or fader function.
3rd gain in dB , delay time in ms, or shelving filter cutoff frequency.
19-In/Out Select Boxes - When these boxes are checked the Lo Pass and Hi Pass, Delay, and EQ are inserted or bypassed on the audio path.
1-Title Bar - Contains the name of the currently running software.
2-Frequency Scale - Approximate reference labels of frequency domain for EQ faders. The actual exact data is displayed in the Readout Box whenever a fader or control is touched.
3-Up/Down Scroll Gain Arrows - Taping once boosts fader gain by the smallest increment. Holding down arrow boosts fader gain at a moderate constant rate.
4-Grey Shaded Fader Box - Taping once above or below the fader boosts or cuts fader gain by the smallest increment. Holding down shaded area boosts or cuts fader gain at a slow constant rate.
5-Fader - Track stylus velocity at real time. Move directly with a stylus to your desired position. NOTE: actual system response speed is dependent on EQ's ability to process MIDI commands.
7-Recall Display - Displays recalled EQ number
8-EQ In/Out Display - Check box determines if EQ is in or bypassed.
9-Recall Fader - Selects EQ program number to recall.
10-MIDI Channel select boxes - One tap access to all 16 MIDI channels.
11-SOLO-Attenuates all nondisplayed EQ channel volumes. Only the displayed EQ channel is at full audio level.
12-Sync - Taping synchronize ensures the HandiQ screen curve is what is on the actual eq unit. Synchronize sends all fader data to the eq sequentially and may take a few seconds to execute. During normal HandiQ operation only single control updates are sent to the eq. Synchronize resends the entire data set from the HandiQ displayed curve to the eq and ensures the curve in your hand is synchronized to the one on the EQ unit. Synchronize sends all screen data to the EQ in order to force the EQ to synchronize to the curve on your Palm device screen.
13-EQ Flat - Sets only the current eq channel/screen flat. All faders are set to 0dB on both the HandiQ and the EQ.
14-MUTE - Attenuates the current displayed EQ channel.
15-Vol - Output Volume Fader
16-Big Fader - A large fader flying copy of any fader selected. Once any fader is selected, Big Fader is enabled and that control may be adjusted from either Big or small fader.
17-Data Readout Display - Displays from left to right:
1st Current EQ and midi channel.2nd fader filter frequency or fader function.
3rd gain in dB
Flat-all fader and output controls set to the middle or zero position
Time Out-Refers to the Palm III sleep cycle of 1-3 minutes
Sleep-dormant state of the HandiClip or Palm III when not in use
EQ-the actual equalizer HandiQ talks to
Handi Systems-Great new company that deploys new enabling technology to make your life easier - "You're gonna be happy!"
HandiQ-equalizer family of software offered by Handi Systems
HandiFX-hand held fader effects controller software now in development by Handi Systems
HandiClip-hardware midi interface module, model HC1, offered by Handi Systems
Synchronized-The HandiQ screen reflects exactly what the eq is set to
Unsynchronized-The HandiQ A&B screen does not reflect the actual eq curve on the eq. The curve on the HandiQ A&B is added or subtracted from whatever curves are already in place on the eq
Unity Gain-1:1 gain change ratio. Input signal level matches output signal level
HotSync-3Com's system and process of backing up and synchronizing your data and Palm III. HotSync is handled by the "HotSync Manager" software on your computer.
Pen Down - The act of touching the stylus tip to the Palm Pilot screen to begin an input data event. Similar to pressing and holding a mouse button.
Pen Up - The act of lifting the stylus tip off the Palm Pilot screen triggering the conclusion of a Palm OS event. Similar to releasing a mouse button.
Flippers - Docking lock mechanism spring loaded on the side of the HandiClip