X1 Wireless Frequently Asked Question

• Do I need a new steno machine in order to use the StenoCast X1?
• Is the wireless connection secure from my steno machine to my computer?
• What happens if I am using the StenoCast X1 and I take my steno machine outside the 100-meter (approximately 300 feet) range between my writer and my computer? Will the steno transmission itself be lost?
• Does the StenoCast X1-Lithium work with all steno machines?
• Do the StenoCast X1 & X7 work with all CAT software and computer operating systems?
• How long will the battery charge last on the StenoCast X1 before recharging is necessary?
• If I don’t have any experience with wireless technology, is there a learning curve involved here to get up to speed?
• What are the main benefits to the reporter for going wireless?
• What do the different lights indicate on the X1-Lithium?

Q1. Do I need a new steno machine in order to use the StenoCast X1?
A1. No. You simply plug the X1 into the serial port on your existing steno machine and follow the simple (Ez) one-time installation instructions. The StenoCast X1-Lithium attaches directly onto the serial port of almost all steno machines. If your machine's serial port has a telephone-type serial port, such as on StenoRAM IIIs, Ultras & FlashWriters, we will provide a short adapter cable.

Q2. Is the wireless connection secure from my steno machine to my computer?
A2. Yes. The wireless communication between your writer and your computer is encrypted. In addition, the connection is password protected.

Q3. What happens if I am using the StenoCast X1 and I take my steno machine outside the 100-meter (approximately 300 feet) range between my writer and my computer? Will the steno transmission itself be lost?
A3. Absolutely not. If you walk with your writer more than 300 feet away from your computer while you are connected wirelessly, the transmission stops when you get out of range, but then immediately picks up again where it left off once you come back into range. The 300-foot range is measured when the devices are in open spaces. The distance will be less if the wireless transmission is going through walls.

Q4. Does the StenoCast X1-Lithium work with all steno machines?
A4 The StenoCast X1-Lithium works with most steno machines. It works with all Stenograph products, the Stenturas, Miras, Cybras and Fusions, StenoRAM IIIs & Ultras, FlasheWriters, SmartWriters, Passports & LightSpeeds.

Q5. Do the StenoCast X1 & X7 work with all CAT software and computer operating systems?
A5. All StenoCast products work with all CAT software on the market. The StenoCast X1 & X7 require Windows 98 Second Edition or newer.

Q6. How long will the battery charge last on the StenoCast X1 before recharging is necessary?
A6. The battery is rated to last from 25 up to 30 hours of continual use before recharging is necessary. You may, of course, write on your steno machine indefinitely and remain connected wirelessly while the X1 is plugged into an outlet. It only requires two and one-half hours to fully recharge the X1-Lithium.

Q7. If I don’t have any experience with wireless technology, is there a learning curve involved here to get up to speed?
A7. StenoCast’s wireless devices are simpler to use than the serial cables that we were forced to use all these years. Instead of disconnecting and connecting for each side-bar conference or in-camera hearing, the reporter just writes. If you get out of range, the X1 disconnects and reconnects again on its own, picking up where it left off. The initial one-time set-up is a snap.

Q8. What are the main benefits to the reporter for going wireless?
A8. The benefits to the reporter are many:

• First, you no longer need to carry the cumbersome cables to each job location. You no longer need to budget all the extra time for setup before the hearing and breakdown afterwards. You do not need to disconnect and reconnect each time you go to sidebar or chambers.
• Almost all reporters have had, or almost had, a disaster with someone (or possibly even yourself) tripping over the many cables draped around the reporter’s work area. Those days are gone forever.
• Serial cables are notoriously unreliable: Either the connectors break or the cables themselves have been stepped on one time too many. In any event, the connection isn’t there, which requires addition trouble-shooting and ultimately cable replacement.

Q9. What do the different lights indicate on the X1- Lithium?
A9. There are three indicator lights on the X1-Lithium. When you first turn on the X1, you will see a flashing green light. That tells you the unit is on. When you plug your USB Ez Receiver into your computer and the X1 and the USB Ez Receiver establish a wireless connection, the flashing green light will then become a solid green light.

The flashing yellow light indicates that the X1-Lithium and the USB Ez Receiver are communicating with each other. Even if you are not writing you will sometimes see the yellow flashing light. The two components are verifying the wireless connection.

If you turn the X1-Lithium on and plug in the AC power adapter, you will see a solid red light. That tells you that your unit is turned on and is charging. If you turn the X1-Lithium off, the red light will disappear; however, the unit is still charging. It typically takes about two and one-half hours to fully recharge the X1-Lithium.

Lastly, if you see a flashing red light, that is an indication that you have just a few hours remaining of battery life. That is an indication to you that it is time to think about recharging your X1-Lithium. You can, of course, charge the X1-Lithium while you are writing on your steno machine.