Made in USA

Presented by Brian M. Smith,
President - MagniSight Inc.

I. Tips on reading with a CCTV

1. Golden rule: The tendency is to over magnify with a CCTV. Make it big enough to where you can see the text comfortably, but not so small that you struggle.

2. Let the x/y table move the viewing materials back and forth under the camera instead of moving the material manually.

   Exception: Small items like checkbooks and business cards can be moved by themselves without the use of the x/y table.

3. When a person is first beginning, have them use both hands on either side of the x/y table. After they become more accomplished they will only need to use one hand.

4. Have the person use their finger when trying to locate something to view. Place the finger at the beginning of the location you want to see, and then find the finger in the image.

5. When a person first uses the x/y table, have them use the brake and margin stops to slow or stop the table from moving. After they become more advanced this should not be necessary.

6. Use the top or bottom of the monitor as a “Line Marker”.

II. Tips on writing with CCTV’S

1. If a person is a beginner, have them write in the smallest magnification, increasing the magnification as they become more accomplished.

2. The smaller you make the image the bigger you write and the bigger you make the image the smaller you write.

3. Always use lined paper when learning to write with a CCTV. With blank paper, it is hard to tell what is up and down.

4. Write a few words, then stop and move the x/y table verses trying to move the table while writing. Don’t write out of your “eye” viewing area.

5. A person needs to flip their pen around to find where the camera is viewing the paper.

6. It is recommended that you use a normal pen when writing with a CCTV instead of a big felt marker.

7. Write in positive mode verses negative mode.

8. If a person writes at an angle, then turn the camera right or left and keep the monitor facing straight.

9. When writing, use one hand to steady the table while the other hand writes.

III. Tips on comfort when using a CCTV

1. Read in the lower half of the screen. Looking from the table to the top half of the screen for reading can cause neck strain.

2. Use an adjustable chair to raise the person to an ideal viewing height. If they are steady on their feet, use a chair that swivels and rolls, allowing easy access and exit from the machine.

3. An adjustable table can be used to raise and lower the CCTV.

4. The person’s eyes should be facing straight into the screen at the material to be read. Neck strain occurs when they are looking to far up or down.
   

5. If a person is using a side-by-side system, position the monitor on the person’s better eye.

6. Use an in-line system when the individual needs to be close to the screen (less than 12 inches).

IV. Tips on buying CCTV’S

1. First evaluate how the person will use the equipment. What do they want to accomplish with the use of a CCTV?

2. When should you buy black and white verses color?

   Obviously, the first issue is what can the person afford. But, money aside, if the person will be using the machine primarily to read text, then buy a black and white unit. Consider multi-color options for high contrast needs. A color system is great for looking at photos, maps, magazines, etc. and working with crafts.

3. What monitor size should a person use?

   The smaller the monitor, the higher the resolution.However, if a person is using more than half of the available magnification, then I would recommend a bigger monitor. Keep in mind that the individual can make the image smaller in a larger monitor, which produces a greater field of view.

4. Two-piece units should be used when an eye condition demands greater separation between the monitor and camera. This allows the user to access the x/y table while the screen is a greater distance away.

5. When should options be used?

   1. Different color combinations are ideal when a person sees certain colors better, or requires high contrast.

   2. Line marking and windowing is ideal when a person needs to isolate text.

   3. Computer options are ideal when a person needs to work with a computer and a CCTV where space is an issue.

   4. Split screen computer systems are ideal when a person needs to transpose material.

   5. Auto Focus is ideal when a person needs to keep it as simple as possible. Manual focus override on an auto focus system allows for maximum versatility and allows complete control over unique viewing situations.