Description

If you own a Diamante or a Passport, and if you desire a reliable, secure wireless connection between your writer and your computer, the solution is the StenoCast ME2ME.  The ME2ME system utilizes StenoCast’s unique plug & play Bluetooth technology that has been the leader in wireless realtime since 2004.

With the StenoCast ME2ME you can eliminate the dangling serial cable and the limitations associated with being tethered to your computer.  You’re free to wander about the courtroom or deposition suite, knowing your steno notes are securely being transmitted to your computer.  If you walk out of the room, down the hall, and manage to get out of the wireless range of your computer, that is not an issue.  When you walk back in range, your ME2ME transmitter and receiver automatically reconnect, and all notes written while out of range are transmitted to your computer.  No need for you to do anything… but walk.  Let the ME2ME handle the rest automatically.

Trusting your wireless connection to a generic Bluetooth dongle that is not designed specifically for a court reporter’s steno machine may prove to be very frustrating and unwise.

Can you find a cheaper alternative?  Possibly.

Can you find a more reliable wireless realtime system?  Absolutely not.

FAQ

Q1.  Which steno machines can use the ME2ME wireless system?

A1.  As of January 1, 2012, there is a ME2ME system for the Diamante and the Passport.

 

Q2.  What is the primary difference between the StenoCast ME2ME wireless realtime system and the wireless option offered by the manufacturer of these steno machines?

A2.  StenoCast specifically manufacturers the USB dongle that is plugged into the reporter’s computer.  This is a proprietary Bluetooth wireless system developed specifically for wireless realtime and is not a generic Bluetooth device that is just configured to receive your steno notes.  Back in 2004 we initially attempted to use generic Bluetooth devices because of the great savings to us.  However, we quickly came to the conclusion that this type of configuration was too unreliable to meet the standards of court reporters, who depend on a safe, secure and consistent wireless connection.

 

Q3.  What happens if the reporter takes their steno machine out of range of the receiving computer?

A3.  The notes are being written to the memory on the writer.  When the reporter walks back into range of their computer, the ME2ME transmitter/receiver will re-establish contact automatically, and all steno notes will likewise automatically be transmitted from the steno machine to their computer.

 

Q4.  What is the range (distance you can travel) between the steno machine and the receiving computer?

A4.  In open spaces we have reached well over 300 feet.  However, when walls are introduced between the steno machine and the receiving computer, those distances are greatly reduced.  Oftentimes a reporter can take their steno machine into chambers, directly behind the courtroom, and maintain the wireless connection, but sometimes not, depending upon the composition of the walls between the two devices.  As indicated in Q3 above, this is typically not an issue as the notes automatically transmit from steno machine to receiving computer once the two devices are back within range.

 

Q5.  What are the main advantages of a wireless realtime system for a steno machine?

A5.  That is something you really need to “see” for yourself.  Some reporters just hate having cables draped around their legs/feet all day long.  Many reporters just would prefer not to have to disconnect and reconnect each time they go into chambers.  Oftentimes it takes “an incident” to see the advantage of being wireless, i.e., the attorney whose foot snags the reporter’s serial cable and manages to take the reporter’s computer and steno machine along for the ride.  You will probably have noticed that reporters who have gone wireless find it nearly impossible to go back to cables.