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Questions
Answers
Can I buy standard cables or adapters to connect a microphone to a headset-input? We advise you to use the MCA3 mic pre-amplifier to connect a Microphone and a headset as the result with standard cables or adapters will give inferior results. The side-effect of using standard cables can be that you will either still hear the internal microphone as you short-circuit the 'switch' that is used for the headset, or that the output will be less than optimal because there is always a little DC voltage at the input, which you then short-circuit with your microphone.
Can I record while the PDA is in its cradle? We advise you not to record while the PDA is in its cradle, as battery charge currents will cause extra noise. Besides that, Activesync will almost always be running, which might slow down your PDA, which in turn could cause drop-outs to appear in your recording.
Should I switch off all other applications while recording with Luci® Software? In general we advise you to switch off other applications ( including Activesync). Having other software can interrupt a recording, especially if you want to capture the best recording quality. So for example, switch OFF the mobile phone in the PDA (which you’ll want to do anyway if you do not want to be interrupted while recording), switch OFF Wi-Fi (which you’ll also want to do if you want your battery to last longer) and switch OFF Infrared. Go to settings>connections>beam: uncheck 'receive all incoming beams'.
Should I switch off Wi-Fi? We advise you to switch off Wi-Fi while recording so you won’t be interrupted by any messages whatsoever. Also notice that when Wi-Fi is switched off your battery will last longer.
How many files can I record on my flash-card? It depends on how your card is formatted: with FAT16 you can 'only' make 256 recordings in the root, while if you record in a folder on the flash-card you can make as many recordings as you like. With FAT32 you can make as many recordings on any place on the card.
What type of flash-card do you advise? We advise using flash-cards with SLC-technology. Look in Google for "SLC flash card".
What kind of batteries or chargers are needed? If you are concerned about battery life: all PDAs benefit from the latest advances in battery technologies. Most are equipped with Lithium Ion batteries. Li-Ion has quickly become the emerging standard for portable power in consumer devices. Li-Ion batteries produce the same energy as NiMH batteries but weigh approximately 35% less. This is crucial as the battery makes up a significant portion of the device’s weight. Another reason Li-Ion batteries have become so popular is that they do not suffer from the memory effect that NiCad batteries tend to. Also, in comparing recharging, the NiCad should be fully discharged before recharging, whereas Li-Ion batteries can be recharged if not fully used and whenever needed. Continuous recording-times of around 8 hours are more the rule than the exception.
Why can't I use Luci edit with my smartphone? The editing features requires a touch screen which smartphones don't generally have.
Why can't I just use my MP3-player for recording and broadcasting? You can’t edit your recordings or send wirelessly through Wi-Fi, GPRS or HSDPA with your MP3 player. Besides that, a PocketPC has a lot of functionality on-board that an MP3-player doesn't have.
How do I know what application and/or package is most suitable for me? There are several options and combinations possible. Of course this depends on the needs and skills of the user. If you are a professional reporter and you are used to editing your items (cut, mark, paste, import files, etc.), and are also accustomed to live broadcasting, then we would advise you to get Luci live two together with the Luci edit application. This will enable you to edit and transmit wherever you are and whenever you want. If in doubt or for further advice please contact sales@luci.eu for tailormade advice.
Can I use Luci on an Apple computer? No, but you CAN connect your PocketPC to an Apple Computer. As an example, you could use this third-party software: http://www.markspace.com/products/windowsmobile/mac/windows-mobile-sync-software.html
Do I need a windshield for my PDA? If you are operating in remote and noisy areas then we advise you to use a windshield for minimising the wind noise.
Do I really need an external microphone for my PDA? A lot of PDAs do have high quality audio cards and microphone sockets. The developers of Luci have done a lot of measurements in comparing audio quality of different PDAs with and without an external mic. An important factor in making the choice is the directionality you require. All internal microphones are omni-directional by their nature, but when you choose to use an external microphone you can have the directionality of your choice. On the other hand, if you use the internal microphone you do not have to carry anything but the PDA with you.
What is the difference between a smartphone and a PDA? Generally speaking a smartphone doesn't have a touch-screen, and will often have a smaller screen.
How can I get advice as to which PDA and/or smartphone to use? We prefer that our objectivity in this matter should not be an issue, so we would rather not advise on purchasing one specific kind of PDA. Of course we get a lot of feedback from our users and we have a lot of experience with various devices. Plus after researching and developing the applications we are certainly able to recommend suitable PDAs. If interested, please contact sales@luci.eu for an overview or independent references from Luci users.