15. Using ActiveSync

15.1 What is ActiveSync?

ActiveSync, or Windows Mobile Device Center as it is called in later versions of Windows, is a program that allows mobile devices to connect to a personal computer. This program enables file transfer from a personal computer to a mobile device and vice versa. This program also facilitates synchronization of the calendar and contacts on Braille Sense U2 with those on Microsoft Outlook. ActiveSync/Windows Mobile Device Center is not shipped with the Braille Sense U2. It is available free of charge from Microsoft for anyone using a Windows PC. If you would like to use ActiveSync, you must download it from the Internet and install it on your personal computer. If you are using Windows 7, Windows Mobile Device Center is automatically downloaded and installed when a Windows Mobile device is connected to the PC.

15.2 Connecting the Braille Sense U2 to a PC

To use ActiveSync/Windows Mobile Device Center with the Braille Sense U2, you must disable Mass Storage Device Mode before connecting to the PC. To do this, press "Space-o" to open "Global Options". Press "Space-dots-4-5-6" to jump to the end of the "Global Options" dialog, as Mass Storage Device Mode is the last item. If Mass Storage Device Mode is turned on, press "Space" to turn it off. Press "Enter" to save the option settings.

Before connecting the Braille Sense U2 to your personal computer for the first time, make sure that the Braille Sense U2 is powered off. Once you have ActiveSync installed, connect a USB cable to the USB OTG port on the right panel of the Braille Sense U2. Then, connect the other end of the USB cable to a USB port on your personal computer. Now, turn on the Braille Sense U2. You will hear several sounds. First, on the Braille Sense U2, you will hear chimes. Then, on your computer, you will hear a "ding-dong" sound indicating the Braille Sense U2 is connected to the PC. You will again hear chimes on the Braille Sense U2, and then on your computer indicating that each recognizes the other as a device for synchronization.

15.3 Setting up the Braille Sense U2 in the ActiveSync Program

When the PC detects the Braille Sense U2 as a Windows Mobile device, a screen pops up on your computer prompting you to "Set up a Partnership". You can choose "Yes" or "No". If you select "Yes" on this screen, the next time you connect the Braille Sense U2 to your computer, synchronization with Microsoft Outlook will occur automatically. If you select "No," the "Set up a Partnership" screen will pop up each time you connect the Braille Sense U2 to your computer.
If you want to synchronize the Braille Sense U2 with Microsoft Outlook, select "Yes," and press the "next" button. Then, you are asked to select a name for the mobile device. You can use only _, A-Z, and 0-9 in your device name. You cannot use spaces. Once you have entered an appropriate name, press "Enter" on the "next" button. 
A list of functions appears on your computer. Each function has a check box located next to it. Make sure no check boxes other than the "Contacts" and "Calendar" check boxes are checked, as synchronization of Calendar and Contacts is all that is currently supported on the Braille Sense U2. You may choose to check "Contacts", "Calendar", or both, depending on your preference.  After setting your preferences, press "next". A dialog box appears displaying, "setup complete." Tab to the "finish" button and press "Enter". 
ActiveSync then looks for changes, and synchronizes with Microsoft Outlook. For more information on how to use ActiveSync/Windows Mobile Device Center  or Microsoft Outlook, please visit www.microsoft.com.

15.4 Transferring Files to the Braille Sense U2 Via ActiveSync

To transfer files to the Braille Sense U2 from your computer, locate the file(s) you want to transfer from your PC using Windows Explorer. Select the file(s), and press "ctrl-c" on your PC to copy the file(s) to the clipboard. Go to the desktop on your computer by pressing "Windows-key-d". Press the letter m repeatedly until you reach "My computer". Press "Enter". Again, press the letter m repeatedly until you reach "mobile device", and press "Enter". The "mobile device" is the Braille Sense U2. When the "mobile device" is opened, you are placed in the file list on the Braille Sense U2. One of the items in the list is another "my computer" icon. Press the letter m repeatedly until you reach "my computer", and press "Enter". Another file list opens. In this list, is located a folder called "flashdisk." This is the same "flashdisk" that appears under "File Manager" on your Braille Sense U2, and is the internal drive on your notetaker. Press f until you reach "flashdisk," and then press "Enter."  You can paste the file(s) here directly by pressing "ctrl-v," or you can paste the file(s) in to one of the folders on the flashdisk.
If you want to copy folders from the Braille Sense U2 to your PC via ActiveSync, follow the same steps; but copy files from the Braille Sense U2, and paste the file(s) into your preferred directory on the PC.
