BookCourier Transfer Tool
User Guide

 

Version 1.8
June 2007
Springer Design, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Table of Contents

Introduction
Installing the Software
Connecting BookCourier to the PC
Transfer Tool Overview 

Chapter 1 - Transferring Files
Simple Transfer Process
Searching for Particular Files
Transferring from Windows Explorer
Queuing Files  

Chapter 2 - Using Audible Files
Activating Your BookCourier
Transferring Audible Files to BookCourier
      Transferring Multiple Files
      Transferring Subsequent File Portions
      Swapping Memory Cards
Other Audible Features
      Accessing Audible.com
      Changing the Audible Library Location
      Deactivating Your BookCourier  

Chapter 3 - Using Bookshare.org Files
Transferring Bookshare.org Files
Accessing Bookshare.org
Changing the Bookshare.org Library Location
Listening to Bookshare.org Files  

Chapter 4 - Using DAISY Files
Transferring DAISY 2.02 Audio Files
Transferring DAISY 3 Text Files
Changing the DAISY Library Location 

Chapter 5 - Using Grade 2 Braille Files
Transferring Grade 2 Braille Files to BookCourier
Changing the DAISY Library Location 

Chapter 6 - Downloading Content from the BookCourier Web Site

Chapter 7 - Managing BookCourier Files
Creating a New Folder
Renaming a File or Folder
Deleting a File or Folder
Getting File or Folder Details
Changing a File Description
Locking and Unlocking a File
Getting Space Available Information  

Chapter 8 - Getting Help
Help Topics
Customer Service and Support
Updating BookCourier Software
Keyboard Shortcuts  

Appendix A - Special Offer from Bookshare.org
Bookshare.org Sign-up Instructions
Bookshare.org Discounted Subscription Details
Useful Bookshare.org Links

Warranty Information
 


Introduction

The BookCourier Transfer Tool allows you to copy text, digital audio files, and music files from your personal computer to the BookCourier device. The Transfer Tool also lets you manage the files and folders on BookCourier.

Installing the Software

The BookCourier Transfer Tool installation starts automatically when the setup CD is placed in your CD or DVD drive. If the installation program does not start automatically, you can run the SETUP.EXE file on the BookCourier CD from Windows Explorer. The instructions in the installation program guide you through the process. 

Connecting BookCourier to the PC

Hold the unit so that the keypad is on top and the flash memory card is protruding slightly on the right side. There are two jacks located along the top edge of the unit. The one on the left is for the earphones and the one on the right is for the USB cable. Plug the small connector on one end of the USB cable into BookCourier and plug the other end into the CPU on your PC. A BookCourier icon will appear in the system tray in the lower right corner of your screen to let you know that the USB connection is working properly. Also, your PC will automatically launch the file transfer software of choice if you selected that option during installation.

While BookCourier is connected to your PC, please keep the following points in mind:

  • BookCourier’s keypad is disabled and it cannot be used to play files.
  • You cannot use BookCourier as a text-to-speech synthesizer for the activities on your PC.
  • The USB connection can run down BookCourier's batteries. Disconnect BookCourier from your PC as soon as you finish transferring files.
  • You can corrupt a flash memory card if you remove it while BookCourier is still connected to your PC. Please follow the instructions for replacing the memory card in the BookCourier User Guide.

Note: If you want to purchase another USB cable, be sure to ask for a USB standard A to 5-pin mini B cable.

Transfer Tool Overview

The Transfer Tool's main screen has two folder/file list windows. The window on the left displays the folders and files on your personal computer or the Internet and the window on the right displays the contents of your BookCourier. Essentially, you find the files you want to transfer in the PC window and then press Control-T to transfer the files from the PC/Internet to BookCourier. You cannot copy files from BookCourier to your PC.

The Transfer Tool offers several ways to perform every available action:

  • Short-cut keys on the keyboard (See Keyboard Shortcuts in Chapter 7 for a list)
  • Buttons situated above the appropriate file list window
  • Pull-down menus across the top of the screen
  • Pop-up menus activated by a right mouse button click (Shift-F10)

Each folder/file list window also displays useful information below it. For example, the PC window shows the number of files displayed and the number of files selected when you perform a search. The BookCourier window also provides statistics for the total space and space available on the current CompactFlash® card as well as progress information when files are transferred to BookCourier.


Chapter 1 - Transferring Files

In this release, the Transfer Tool supports the following file types:

Text-Based Files

  • Text (TXT)
  • Bookshare.org (BKS). The Bookshare.org files are DAISY 3 text files. Refer to Chapter 3 - Using Bookshare.org Files for complete information about transferring these files. 
  • Grade 2 Braille (BRF)
  • TNAUK (DOC). These are text files from the Talking Newspaper Association of the United Kingdom (TNAUK). These files are NOT documents from Microsoft Word. To listen to a Word document, you must first save the document as a text file and then transfer it to BookCourier.
  • DAISY 3 Text. These text files include NFB Newsline files emailed to subscribers as well as unpacked Bookshare.org DAISY files.

Digital Audio Files

  • MP3
  • Audible (AA). Refer to Chapter 2 - Using Audible Files for complete information about these files. 
  • DAISY 2.02 Audio. These spoken word audio files are essentially MP3 files with built-in navigation information. Refer to Chapter 4 - Using DAISY Files for complete information about these files. 

Remember: All actions are available from pull-down menus, buttons on the screen, right-click (Shift-F10) pop-up menus, and accelerator keys. For simplification, only the accelerator keys and main buttons are mentioned in the step-by-step directions below.

Simple Transfer Process

The following transfer process works for the majority of the file types BookCourier supports. Use these instructions if you want to transfer a text file, an MP3 file, or a file from the Talking Newspaper Association of the United Kingdom (TNAUK). If you want to transfer another file type, please refer to the chapter pertaining to that file type.

  1. Press Control-B or click the Browse PC button.
  2. If desired, limit your search to a particular file type by selecting one of the options in the Files of Type drop down box.
  3. Browse through the folders on your PC until you find the one you want to transfer to BookCourier. Select the file and press Enter or click on the Open button.
  4. If you don't need to change the file description or target folder, press Enter or click on the OK button to start the transfer. The system will beep when the file transfer is complete.

Transferring Multiple Files: To speed the transfer process for multiple files that you want to place in the same folder, take advantage of the Use current folder for remaining transfers checkbox in the File Title dialog box. Just check the box to send all the files to the folder you specify. You won't be able to change the file description for each file, but you can always rename the files on BookCourier after the transfer is complete. 

Searching for Particular Files and Transferring Them

  1. Press Control-F or click the Search PC button at the top of the PC window.
  2. Enter the name of the folder you want to search or use the Browse button to select a folder.  If you like, you can also enter a particular file name or use a combination of characters and asterisks to narrow the search.  To search subfolders of the target search folder, select the Search Subfolders checkbox.
  3. To start the search, press Enter or click the Start Search button.
  4. The Transfer Tool displays the search results in the PC window. Select a file and press Control-R if you want more information about a particular file. Press Enter or click OK when you are done.
  5. Select the files you want to transfer and press Control-T or click the Transfer button. The File Title dialog box appears and lets you change the file description and the target folder. For multiple files going to the same target folder, check the Use current folder for remaining transfers checkbox.
  6. Press Enter or click on the OK button to start the transfer process. During this process, the Transfer Tool displays messages in the text window below the BookCourier window. You will hear a beep when the selected files have been transferred to BookCourier.

Transferring from Windows Explorer

You can also transfer files from your PC to BookCourier using Windows Explorer to find the files and the Transfer Tool to copy them into BookCourier.

  1. Open Windows Explorer and select the file or files you want to transfer.
  2. Press Control-C to copy them to the Clipboard.
  3. Go back to the Transfer Tool, select the target folder for the new files and press Control-V to paste them.
  4. The File Title dialog box appears. If necessary, change the file description or the target folder. For multiple files going to the same target folder, check the Use current folder for remaining transfers checkbox.
  5. Press Enter or click the OK button to start the transfer process. During this process, the Transfer Tool displays messages in the text window below the BookCourier window. When the transfer is complete, the Transfer Tool beeps.

Queuing Files

The Transfer Tool allows you to start the file transfer process even if your BookCourier isn't connected to the PC. As soon as you do connect BookCourier, the Transfer Tool will complete the file transfer. Just follow the transfer instructions in any of the previous sections. In the File Title dialog box, you can specify a new or existing target folder on BookCourier or accept the default folder. After you press Enter or click OK, the Transfer Tool adds a note in the message box below the PC file/folder window saying how many files are waiting to be transferred and how big they are. When you connect BookCourier to your PC, the Transfer Tool immediately begins the transfer process for the queued files. If the target folder doesn't exist on BookCourier, the Transfer Tool will alert  you. You can instruct the Transfer Tool to either create the target folder or cancel the process altogether.


Chapter 2 - Using Audible Files

Audible is one of the largest Internet providers of spoken word audio content. The site offers audiobook best sellers and classics by authors such as Tom Clancy, Stephen King, the Dalai Lama, Stephen Hawking, William Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, and Jane Austen. There are also speeches, lectures, and on-demand radio programs including Marketplace, All Things Considered, Car Talk, Fresh Air and This American Life, and original shows such as RobinWilliams@audible.com. Audible offers subscriptions to daily audio editions of The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times as well as magazines such as Forbes, Harvard Business Review, Scientific American and Fast Company. Check out the Audible site (www.audible.com) for details about the content they provide.

First, you need to transfer files from the Audible.com website to your PC using Audible Manager. The Transfer Tool does not download files from the Audible.com website to your PC. Once you have the Audible files on your PC, you can use the Transfer Tool to download the files from your PC to BookCourier. 

Audible supplies files in four different types, one through four. Type 1 files are highly compressed so that they're smaller in size, but the audio quality tends to suffer from this compression. Type 4 files, on the other hand, are encrypted MP3 files with little compression. As a result, type 4 files are very large, but offer superb audio quality. BookCourier supports only type 4 Audible files. While we would like to support the other file types as well (types 1 through 3), all these files use proprietary compression routines which require licensing for their use and decryption.

Activating Your BookCourier

Before you can transfer Audible files to your BookCourier, you must "activate" BookCourier. All Audible files are encrypted to enforce copyright protections. In other words, the only person who can listen to an Audible file is the person who purchased it. When you transfer an Audible file from your PC to BookCourier, the Transfer Tool checks with Audible to make sure that the owner of the Audible file is also the owner of the target BookCourier. You can activate up to three BookCouriers for use with your Audible files. You must use the Transfer Tool to activate your BookCourier; you cannot do it through Audible Manager.

  1. Make sure your BookCourier is connected to the PC and you still have an active Internet connection.
  2. From the Audible menu, select the Activate BookCourier option. A dialog box will prompt you for your Audible user information.
  3. Enter your Audible user name and password and press Enter or select OK. A message box will appear when the activation is complete. Press Enter or select OK to close the box.

When you activate BookCourier, the Transfer Tool checks your PC to find out if you have Audible Manager installed. If you do, then the Transfer Tool uses the audio file folder defined in Audible Manager as the path for your local Audible library. If you don't have Audible Manager installed, then the Transfer Tool creates a subfolder below the folder containing the Transfer Tool and uses that folder as the path for your local Audible library. If you want to change that path at a later time, you can use the Specify Library Location option from the Audible menu to enter a different path name.

You can also deactivate BookCourier, by selecting the Deactivate BookCourier option from the Audible menu and then entering your Audible user information.

Transferring Audible Files to BookCourier

Once your BookCourier is activated, you can transfer Audible files to BookCourier from your PC. These files must already reside on the PC before you begin. The transfer process for Audible files is similar to the transfer process for text and music MP3 files. You must give the file a name and specify the destination folder on BookCourier. In addition, you can choose to send all or part of the file to BookCourier. So, if you don't happen to have room on your BookCourier for the entire file, you can transfer as much of the file as will fit or you can specify the amount of the file you want to transfer. When you finish reading a partial file, you can transfer the rest of the file (based on the current reading position) or another partial chunk. These options allow you to customize BookCourier for your needs. For example, you might choose to transfer all of your Audible subscriptions, but only the first 10MB of the novel you're reading. Follow these instructions to get started:

  1. Make sure your BookCourier is connected to the PC.
  2. Press Control-U or click the Audible button at the top of the PC window. (The View Local Library option from the Audible menu also produces the same result). A list of type 4 Audible files in the specified library path will appear.
  3. Select the desired file and press Control-T or click the Transfer button. The File Title dialog box appears and lets you change the file description and the target folder. Then press Enter or click OK. If the file you want to transfer is too big to fit on the flash card, the Advanced File Transfer dialog box will appear. The dialog box displays the size of the file and the space available on BookCourier and then gives you three options: transfer the entire file, transfer as much of the file as will fit on BookCourier, or transfer a specified amount of the file. The Transfer Tool will transfer as much of the file as will fit on the card unless you enter the number of megabytes you want to transfer. Press Enter or click OK to start the transfer process. You can cancel the transfer at any time by pressing Esc or clicking the Cancel button. If you cancel a transfer, the Transfer Tool deletes any portion of the file that may have already been transferred to BookCourier.

Type 4 Audible files are very large and take some time to transfer. The current transfer speed from the PC hard drive to BookCourier is about 15MB per minute. During the process, the Transfer Tool displays status information in the message box located underneath the BookCourier window. The message "Sending..." appears, followed by a size. The Transfer Tool waits until the process is complete before updating the Free Space value in the message box. You will hear a beep when the transfer is complete.

Low Battery Caution: If the batteries in your BookCourier run low during the transfer of a large file, you may experience some strange symptoms. For instance, the Transfer Tool may report that there is a Data I/O error or a Write error. Or, you may get errors on BookCourier when you try to read the book you just transferred. In either case, check the battery level on BookCourier by pressing the diamond key (first key in the bottom row) for one beep. If the battery level is below 20%, replace the batteries and try the transfer again.

Transferring Multiple Files

If you select multiple files for transfer, the Transfer Tool will transfer them one at a time rather than copying the files as a group. You can also queue files for transfer, meaning that you can select the files before your BookCourier is connected to the PC. However, the Transfer Tool will prompt you for the partial transfer information only when BookCourier is connected.

Transferring Subsequent File Portions

If you transfer a portion of a file and then want to transfer the rest of it, you simply select the file and choose the Transfer option again. In the File Title dialog box, you must ensure that the Target Folder is the same folder where the first portion of the file exists. If the rest of the file is too big to fit on the flash card, the Advanced File Transfer dialog box will appear. As before, you select either the Transfer as much as will fit option or the Transfer a specified amount option. The Transfer Tool deletes the partial file and any bookmarks in it from your BookCourier and replaces it with another partial file, starting with the current reading position from the first partial file. If the current reading position is at the end of the first partial file, then the second partial file will start right where the first partial file left off. If the current reading position is only 50% of the way through the first partial file, then the second partial file will start at that point and contain the last half of the first partial file plus as much of the rest of the file as you specify. The transfer status message reflects the absolute size of the file as opposed to the size of the transferred portion. In other words, if the whole file is 100MB, the first portion is 50MB, and the current reading position is at the end of the first portion, the message will display the number 50MB and start incrementing from there.

Swapping Memory Cards

When you transfer an Audible file to BookCourier, the Transfer Tool first ensures that BookCourier is activated for the same user who owns the Audible file. Then the Transfer Tool encrypts the serial number of the target BookCourier in the Audible file you are transferring. Later, when you attempt to play the Audible file, BookCourier makes sure that the serial number encrypted in the Audible file matches its own serial number. As a result, you cannot remove the memory card containing your Audible files and play them in any other BookCourier, even if that BookCourier belongs to you and was activated by you. In other words, when it comes to playing Audible files, you cannot use the same memory card in multiple BookCouriers. However, you CAN use multiple memory cards with the same BookCourier. Once you activate your BookCourier, you can transfer Audible files to any number of different memory cards loaded in that BookCourier.

Other Audible Features

Accessing Audible.com

For your convenience, the Transfer Tool allows you to launch the Audible.com website. Just select the Go to Audible.com option from the Audible menu. Your browser will appear with the Audible home page displayed.

Changing the Audible Library Location

The Transfer Tool looks for your Audible files in only one location that's defined automatically during the Transfer Tool installation. When you view the local Audible library or press the Audible button above the PC window, the Transfer Tool checks the specified path and displays a list of any type 4 Audible files located in the folder. You can change this path using the Specify Library Location option in the Audible menu. Simply select the menu option to display a dialog box where you can enter a new path. A Browse button on the dialog allows you select the path rather than entering it manually. When you're finished, press Enter or select the OK button.

Deactivating Your BookCourier

You can easily deactivate your BookCourier so that Audible no longer maintains information about the device. Remember, if you deactivate BookCourier, you cannot transfer Audible files to it.

  1. Make sure your BookCourier is connected to the PC and you still have an active Internet connection.
  2. From the Audible menu, select the Deactivate BookCourier option. A dialog box will prompt you for your Audible user information.
  3. Enter your Audible user name and password and press Enter or select OK. A message box will appear when the deactivation is complete. Press Enter or select OK to close the box.

Chapter 3 - Using Bookshare.org Files

Bookshare.org is an Internet-based, non-profit organization that gives people with documented disabilities access to electronic versions of thousands of books. Many of these books are classics whose copyrights have expired and are available at no charge to the public. However, there is also a growing library of fiction and non-fiction books with current copyrights. Bookshare.org takes advantage of a U.S. law that allows equal access to copyrighted material for disabled individuals. In addition, Bookshare.org now offers a growing number of newspapers and magazines to members who reside in certain U.S. states. Please be aware that you must be a U.S. resident to subscribe to Bookshare.org. Visit their web site at www.bookshare.org for all the details about this organization. 

Special Offer: If you are not already a Bookshare.org subscriber, you can join now at a discount. Appendix A in this user guide explains this offer in detail. Click here to read the appendix now.

Transferring Bookshare.org Files

To use Bookshare.org files, you must first log on to the Bookshare.org website, find the files you want to hear, and then download them to your PC. Because BookCourier supports only DAISY files from Bookshare.org, you must download the desired files in DAISY format. Once you have the files on your computer, you can use the Transfer Tool to unpack the files and transfer them to BookCourier in one easy operation.  The first time you transfer a copyrighted Bookshare.org file during a session, the Transfer Tool prompts you for a Bookshare.org password. After verifying your password, the Transfer Tool moves the file to your BookCourier where you can start listening immediately. 

Follow these instructions to get started:

  1. Make sure your BookCourier is connected to the PC.
  2. The first time you transfer a Bookshare.org file you will probably want to specify a folder where the Transfer Tool will look for your Bookshare.org files. Select the Specify Library Location option from the Bookshare.org menu. A dialog box appears where you can enter a path name manually or use the Browse button to select a path. When you finish, press Enter or select the OK button. Read Changing the Bookshare.org Library Location for more information.
  3. Press Control-I or click the Bookshare.org button at the top of the PC window to view a list of files. (The View Local Library option from the Bookshare.org menu also produces the same result). A list of DAISY Bookshare.org files (*_D*.BKS and *_D*.BKS.ZIP files) in the specified library path appears. Be aware that you cannot transfer a Bookshare.org file that has already been unpacked. You can also search for the Bookshare.org files on your PC using the Search button (Control-F) or the Browse PC button (Control-B).
  4. Select the desired file and press Control-T or click the Transfer button. The first time you transfer a copyrighted Bookshare.org file during your session, the Transfer Tool prompts you for a Bookshare.org password. A dialog box appears where you can enter your password. Press Enter or click OK to continue. The File Title dialog box appears and prompts you for information about the file and the target folder. 
  5. Review and edit the file/folder information as necessary. For multiple files going to the same target folder, check the Use current folder for remaining transfers checkbox. Then press Enter or click OK to start the transfer process. You can cancel the transfer at any time by pressing Esc or clicking the Cancel button. If you cancel a transfer, the Transfer Tool deletes any portion of the file that may have already been transferred to BookCourier. During the transfer process, the Transfer Tool displays status information in the message box located underneath the BookCourier window. The message "Sending..." appears, followed by a size. The Transfer Tool waits until the process is complete before updating the Free Space value in the message box. You will hear a beep when the transfer is complete.

DAISY File Support: While BookCourier does support Bookshare.org DAISY files, it does NOT support DAISY 3 text files from other sources. The Transfer Tool uses a file filter that specifically unpacks Bookshare.org files and then converts them from a DAISY 3 text file format into a BookCourier-compatible format. For information about transferring DAISY 2.02 audio files to BookCourier, please refer to Chapter 4 - Using DAISY Files.  

Accessing Bookshare.org

For your convenience, the Transfer Tool allows you to launch the Bookshare.org  website. Just select the Go to Bookshare.org option from the Bookshare.org menu. Your browser will appear with the Bookshare.org website displayed. From there you can log in, browse the database, and download the desired books.

Changing the Bookshare.org Library Location

For one click access to your Bookshare.org files, you can configure the Transfer Tool to look for your Bookshare.org files in a particular location. When you view the local Bookshare.org library or press the Bookshare.org button above the PC window, the Transfer Tool checks the specified path and displays a list of any DAISY Bookshare.org files located in the folder. You can change this path using the Specify Library Location option in the Bookshare.org menu. Simply select the menu option to display a dialog box where you can enter a new path. A Browse button on the dialog allows you select the path rather than entering it manually. When you finish, press Enter or select the OK button.

Listening to Bookshare.org Files

In this release of the Transfer Tool, all navigation marks in the DAISY files become pages on BookCourier. For instance, if you transfer a newspaper, BookCourier treats all sections and articles within the newspaper as pages. When you listen to the file, you can skip through it by sentence, paragraph or "page" where "page" is the next section or article marker in the file. Be aware that the page navigation in a Bookshare.org book may be very inconsistent from one book to the next. This navigation is completely dependent on the number of section or chapter markers within the book. In other words, if the original book has no markers, you won't be able to navigate by page at all. In most cases, a Bookshare.org book contains copyright information in the first page. To skip over this information and begin listening to the actual content, you must jump forward one page. Go to the Page Navigation level, by pressing and holding the 2 key until you hear a beep. Then press the 6 key to skip over the copyright information to the next page marker.


Chapter 4 - Using DAISY Files

The term DAISY is an acronym for “Digital Accessible Information SYstem.” In practice, DAISY refers to an international standard for Digital Talking Books that combines both text and audio elements as well as a variety of information that allows the reader to navigate and access the material with ease. In the industry today, most DAISY files are spoken word audio files that are digital recordings of an actual person reading a document. The DAISY files often contain a Table of Contents for the audio file as well as page numbers that give the listener many options for finding his way through the material. In essence, a DAISY file is like a book on tape that you can move through using traditional print cues such as page numbers and chapter and section headings.

BookCourier supports two types of DAISY files: DAISY 2.02 audio files and DAISY 3 text files. Currently, there are a limited number of content providers who supply talking books in DAISY 2.02 format. Most of these providers are non-profit organizations whose mission is to assist the visually-impaired population. As of January 2005, the following organizations provide or are planning to provide DAISY 2.02 audio files:

  • Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). The CNIB Library began producing DAISY titles in 2000. Currently, the Library’s 60,000-title collection contains 2,500 DAISY titles (18,000 individual copies) and that number will increase every month. Since July 1, 2004, all newly produced audio books are available exclusively in digital format – on DAISY CD and on-line at the CNIB Digital Library. You must be a Canadian resident to become a member of CNIB. For more information, please visit their web site at www.cnib.org.
  • Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB). RNIB works with professional narrators and authors to bring audio books to life for their Talking Book Service. Over 200 titles are added each month. You must reside in the United Kingdom to become a member of RNIB. For more information, please visit their web site at www.rnib.org.
  • Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D). This US organization maintains a library of digitally recorded books on CD that use an encrypted DAISY 2.02 audio format. RFB&D’s AudioPlus® CDs are titles that have either been recorded digitally from the very start or have been converted from RFB&D’s existing library of analog recorded audiobooks. Currently, RFB&D has more than 30,000 AudioPlus titles. Although BookCourier does not support these files, we are actively working on the software to play back AudioPlus files. For more information about RFB&D, please visit their web site at www.rfbd.org

The most commonly used DAISY 3 text files for BookCourier include files from Bookshare.org and the NFB-Newsline files emailed to subscribers by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). For information about transferring DAISY 3 text files from Bookshare.org to BookCourier, please refer to Chapter 3 - Using Bookshare.org Files.

In addition to these organizations, virtually anyone can create DAISY formatted files using a DAISY generator software package. As more organizations and businesses understand the value of the DAISY standard, we will surely see more and more DAISY files available to the general public.

Transferring DAISY 2.02 Audio Files

Today, most DAISY 2.02 files are delivered on CD. Like Audible files, the DAISY 2.02 files tend to be quite large and can take up multiple CDs. Follow these instructions to get started:

  1. Make sure the CD containing the DAISY 2.02 audio file you want to transfer is in the CD drive on your PC.
  2. Connect BookCourier to the PC and make sure the Transfer Tool is running.
  3. The first time you transfer a DAISY 2.02 file you will probably want to specify a drive where the Transfer Tool will look for your DAISY files. Select the Specify Library Location option from the DAISY menu. A dialog box appears where you can enter a path name manually or use the Browse button to select a path. When you finish, press Enter or select the OK button. Read Changing the DAISY Library Location for more information.
  4. Press Control-S or click the DAISY button at the top of the PC window to view a list of files. (The View Local Library option from the DAISY menu also produces the same result). A list of DAISY files in the specified library path appears. You can also search for DAISY files on your PC using the Search button (Control-F) or the Browse PC button (Control-B).
  5. Select the desired file and press Control-T or click the Transfer button. The File Title dialog box appears and lets you change the file description and the target folder. Then press Enter or click OK. If the file you want to transfer is too big to fit on the flash card, the Advanced File Transfer dialog box will appear. The dialog box displays the size of the file and the space available on BookCourier and then gives you three options: transfer the entire file, transfer as much of the file as will fit on BookCourier, or transfer a specified amount of the file. The Transfer Tool will transfer as much of the file as will fit on the card unless you enter the number of megabytes you want to transfer. Press Enter or click OK to start the transfer process. You can cancel the transfer at any time by pressing Esc or clicking the Cancel button. If you cancel a transfer, the Transfer Tool deletes any portion of the file that may have already been transferred to BookCourier.

DAISY 2.02 files are very large and take some time to transfer. The current transfer speed from a computer's CD drive to BookCourier is about 10MB per minute. During the process, the Transfer Tool displays status information in the message box located underneath the BookCourier window. The message "Sending..." appears, followed by a size. The Transfer Tool waits until the process is complete before updating the Free Space value in the message box. You will hear a beep when the transfer is complete.

Transferring Multiple Files: You cannot transfer more than one DAISY file at a time.  

Low Battery Caution: If the batteries in your BookCourier run low during the transfer of a large file, you may experience some strange symptoms. For instance, the Transfer Tool may report that there is a Data I/O error or a Write error. Or, you may get errors on BookCourier when you try to read the book you just transferred. In either case, check the battery level on BookCourier by pressing the diamond key (first key in the bottom row) for one beep. If the battery level is below 20%, replace the batteries and try the transfer again.

Transferring Subsequent File Portions: If you transfer a portion of a file and then want to transfer the rest of it, you simply select the file and choose the Transfer option again. In the File Title dialog box, you must ensure that the Target Folder is the same folder where the first portion of the file exists. If the rest of the file is too big to fit on the flash card, the Advanced File Transfer dialog box will appear. As before, you select either the Transfer as much as will fit option or the Transfer a specified amount option. The Transfer Tool deletes the partial file and any bookmarks in it from your BookCourier and replaces it with another partial file, starting with the current reading position from the first partial file. If the current reading position is at the end of the first partial file, then the second partial file will start right where the first partial file left off. If the current reading position is only 50% of the way through the first partial file, then the second partial file will start at that point and contain the last half of the first partial file plus as much of the rest of the file as you specify. The transfer status message reflects the absolute size of the file as opposed to the size of the transferred portion. In other words, if the whole file is 100MB, the first portion is 50MB, and the current reading position is at the end of the first portion, the message will display the number 50MB and start incrementing from there.

Transferring DAISY 3 Text Files

DAISY 3 text files are much smaller than DAISY 2.02 audio files and not generally delivered on CD. The NFB-Newsline files, for example, are emailed as attachments to subscribers. Follow these instructions to get started:

  1. Connect BookCourier to the PC and make sure the Transfer Tool is running.
  2. Press Control-S or click the DAISY button at the top of the PC window to view a list of files. (The View Local Library option from the DAISY menu also produces the same result). A list of DAISY files in the specified library path appears. You can also search for DAISY files on your PC using the Search button (Control-F) or the Browse PC button (Control-B). To change the default path, read Changing the DAISY Library Location.
  3. Select the desired file and press Control-T or click the Transfer button. The File Title dialog box appears and lets you change the file description and the target folder. Then press Enter or click OK. You can cancel the transfer at any time by pressing Esc or clicking the Cancel button. If you cancel a transfer, the Transfer Tool deletes any portion of the file that may have already been transferred to BookCourier.

Transferring Bookshare.org Files: For Bookshare.org DAISY 3 text files, the Transfer Tool uses a separate file filter specifically unpacks Bookshare.org files and then converts them from a DAISY 3 text file format into a BookCourier-compatible format. If your Bookshare.org files are already unpacked, you can use the DAISY button to transfer the files to BookCourier. In general, however, we recommend that you leave the unpacking to the Transfer Tool and just use the Bookshare.org button. Please refer to Chapter 3 - Using Bookshare.org Files.

Changing the DAISY Library Location

For one click access to your DAISY files, you can configure the Transfer Tool to look for your DAISY files in a particular location. When you view the local DAISY library or press the DAISY button above the PC window, the Transfer Tool checks the specified path and displays a list of any DAISY files located in the path. You can change this path using the Specify Library Location option in the DAISY menu. Simply select the menu option to display a dialog box where you can enter a new path. A Browse button on the dialog allows you select the path rather than entering it manually. When you finish, press Enter or select the OK button.


Chapter 5 - Using Grade 2 Braille Files

The Transfer Tool can translate Grade 2 Braille files (BRF) into text files that you can read on BookCourier. In the US, you can take advantage of Web-Braille, an Internet service that provides, in an electronic format, many Braille books and all Braille magazines produced by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS).

Transferring Grade 2 Braille Files to BookCourier

Follow these instructions to get started:

  1. Connect BookCourier to the PC and make sure the Transfer Tool is running.
  2. The first time you transfer a BRF file you will probably want to specify a drive where the Transfer Tool will look for your BRF files. Select the Specify Library Location option from the BRF menu. A dialog box appears where you can enter a path name manually or use the Browse button to select a path. When you finish, press Enter or select the OK button. Read Changing the Grade 2 Braille Library Location for more information.
  3. Press Control-G or click the BRF button at the top of the PC window to view a list of files. (The View Local Library option from the BRF menu also produces the same result). A list of BRF files in the specified library path appears. You can also search for BRF files on your PC using the Search button (Control-F) or the Browse PC button (Control-B).
  4. Select the desired file and press Control-T or click the Transfer button. The File Title dialog box appears and lets you change the file description and the target folder. Edit the information if you like and then press Enter or click OK to start the transfer process. You can cancel the transfer at any time by pressing Esc or clicking the Cancel button. If you cancel a transfer, the Transfer Tool deletes any portion of the file that may have already been transferred to BookCourier. During the process, the Transfer Tool displays status information in the message box located underneath the BookCourier window. The message "Sending..." appears, followed by a size. The Transfer Tool waits until the process is complete before updating the Free Space value in the message box. You will hear a beep when the transfer is complete.

Changing the Grade 2 Braille Library Location

For one click access to your Grade 2 Braille (BRF) files, you can configure the Transfer Tool to look for your BRF files in a particular location. When you view the local BRF library or press the BRF button above the PC window, the Transfer Tool checks the specified path and displays a list of any BRF files located in the path. You can change this path using the Specify Library Location option in the BRF menu. Simply select the menu option to display a dialog box where you can enter a new path. A Browse button on the dialog allows you select the path rather than entering it manually. When you finish, press Enter or select the OK button.


Chapter 6 - Downloading Content from the BookCourier Web Site

The BookCourier web site at www.bookcourier.com contains a number of pre-formatted text files that you can download to your BookCourier. This content is in the public domain so there are no copyright issues. You do not need to be a member of any organization to access this information. Among the current titles are two translations of the Bible: King James and World English. Please remember that many popular Bible translations such as the NIV (New International Version) are copyrighted and therefore require the reader to pay a usage fee. As a result, Springer Design, Inc. cannot offer any copyrighted titles on the web site. You may be able to access these titles through Bookshare.org or another organization that handles copyrighted materials. 

Each Bible translation on the web site comes in two forms: one with chapter and verse numbers and one without. In both cases, you can navigate through the Bible by book, chapter, verse, sentence, and word. For Bible files with chapter and verse numbers, BookCourier announces all chapter and verse numbers as you listen to the file. While it may be nice to know exactly where you are in the file, some listeners may dislike hearing the chapter and verse numbers, especially when listening straight through the file. For Bible files without chapter and verse numbers, BookCourier announces the chapter number once, at the beginning of each chapter, but does not announce the chapter and verse number for each verse. We suggest that you download both versions of the translation initially to see which one you prefer.

Each Bible translation is a ZIP file containing two BookCourier-ready files: a ddd and a ddd. After you copy the ZIP file to your PC and unzip the contents, you must copy the resulting files directly to BookCourier using TT or Explorer?


Chapter 7 - Managing BookCourier Files

The Transfer Tool also lets you examine and modify the contents of the CompactFlash® card in BookCourier. You can create new folders, rename and delete files and folders, or even view the properties of a file, folder, or the unit itself.

The BookCourier window on the right side of the main screen displays the folders and files stored on the unit. Use the left and right arrows to expand or contract folders. You can select any file or folder and press Shift-F10 to gain access to a menu of the available actions for that item. Every action is also available through a button at the top of the BookCourier window or the pull-down menus across the top of the screen.

Creating a New Folder

You can create as many folders as you like to organize your files on BookCourier.

  1. Make sure your BookCourier is connected.
  2. Press Control-D to make the BookCourier the active view. Select the parent folder for the new folder. The parent may be the root folder or any other folder that already exists on BookCourier.
  3. Press Control-N or click on the New button to create a new folder.
  4. Enter the name of the new folder and press Enter or click OK.

Renaming a File or Folder

Renaming a file or folder on BookCourier is as easy as renaming a file or folder in Windows Explorer.

  1. Select the file or folder whose name you want to change.
  2. Press Control-M or click on the Rename button.
  3. Enter the new name for the file or folder and press Enter or click OK.

Deleting a File or Folder

The Delete feature in the Transfer Tool works same way as it does in Windows Explorer. If you delete a folder, all of its contents are also deleted.

  1. Select the file or folder you want to delete.
  2. Press the Delete key or click the Delete button just above the BookCourier window. Click Yes to delete the item or No to stop.

Getting File or Folder Details

The Transfer Tool provides property information about the files and folders on BookCourier. For instance, you can find out whether a file is locked or how much space a file uses. 

  1. Select the file or folder for which you want details.
  2. Press Control-R to bring up the Properties dialog box.
  3. Press Enter or click the OK button when you are done.

Changing a File Description

The Transfer Tool allows you to change the file description used on BookCourier and in the Transfer Tool.

  1. Select the file whose description you want to change.
  2. Press Control-R to bring up the Properties dialog box.
  3. Enter the new description.
  4. Press Enter or click OK to save the new description.

Locking and Unlocking a File

You can lock a file using the Transfer Tool or using the keys on BookCourier itself. When a file is locked, you cannot delete it. 

  1. Select the file you want to lock or unlock.
  2. Press Control-R to bring up the Properties dialog box.
  3. Tab to the Locked checkbox and press the spacebar to check it (lock it) or uncheck it (unlock it).
  4. Press Enter or click the OK button to save the new lock status.

Getting Space Available Information

You can find out how much total space is on the CompactFlash® card as well as how much space is available. Select the root folder in BookCourier and press Control-R or look at the text in the display box just below the BookCourier window.


Chapter 8 - Getting Help

Help Topics

The BookCourier Transfer Tool has online help to assist you. You can access both the Transfer Tool User Guide and the BookCourier User Guide from the Help menu. In addition, Control-H brings up the Transfer Tool User Guide without going through the menus.

Customer Service and Support

If you are having problems with the BookCourier Transfer Tool or BookCourier itself, please contact the dealer from whom you purchased the product. Before you contact the dealer, have the following information available:

  • BookCourier serial number and version number. You can get these numbers by selecting the About BookCourier option from the Help menu.
  • BookCourier Transfer Tool version number. You can get this number by selecting the About BookCourier option from the Help menu.

Updating BookCourier Software

You can easily update the software inside your BookCourier using the Check for Updates function in the Help menu. The Transfer Tool checks the BookCourier website and compares the latest available software release with the software inside your BookCourier. If the software on the website is more recent than your software, the Transfer Tool copies the files onto your BookCourier. Follow these instructions:

  1. Make sure you have an active Internet connection.
  2. Make sure BookCourier is connected to your PC via the USB cable.
  3. From the Help menu, select the Check for Updates option. If there is a newer version of the BookCourier software on the website, the Transfer Tool will tell you and ask you to confirm your intention to perform the update.
  4. Press Enter or click the Yes button to start the update. After the file transfer is complete, a detailed message appears. When you finish reading the message, press Enter or click the OK button to close the message box.
  5. Disconnect BookCourier from the PC to complete the software installation. You will hear a number of messages. Please wait 30 seconds after the last message before using BookCourier. During the installation process, make sure that you do not remove the memory card or the batteries. Also, be aware that you will lose any custom settings such as volume level and reading speed. The update process does NOT affect bookmarks or the file/folder structure.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Control-A. Display the About BookCourier information.
Control-B. Browse the local PC for files.
Control-C. Copy a file to the clipboard. Use when copying files from Windows Explorer.
Control-D. Select BookCourier as the active view.
Control-F. Search the local PC for files.
Control-G. Display a list of Grade 2 Braille (BRF) files in the specified path.
Control-H. View the Transfer Tool User Guide HTML file.
Control-I. Access Bookshare.org.
Control-L. Select the local PC as the active view.
Control-M. Rename a file or folder.
Control-N. Create a new folder on BookCourier (only if BookCourier is connected).
Control-R. Show the properties of the currently selected file or folder.
Control-S. Display a list of DAISY 2.02 audio files in the specified DAISY path.
Control-T. Start transferring selected files from the PC to BookCourier.
Control-U. Display a list of type 4 Audible files stored in the specified Audible file path.
Control-V. Paste a file. Use when copying files from Windows Explorer or another application.
Delete. Delete the selected file or folder from BookCourier.
Escape. Cancel the current operation or dialog.
Shift-F10. Access the context menu for the selected item.


Appendix A - Special Offer from Bookshare.org

Congratulations on your purchase of a new BookCourier! An added benefit of your BookCourier purchase is $25 off a new Bookshare.org subscription. Using your BookCourier, Bookshare.org can be your portable library. Download from a world of books - current books that people and schools across the U.S. are scanning to share. Today, there are numerous books available for subscribers to access, including current best sellers, recent and older classics of literature, K-12 teacher recommended reading, and technical books. Most of our books originate as scans that are shared by members and volunteers from across the United States.

Bookshare.org Sign-up Instructions

To take advantage of the $25 off offer, you should do the following:

  1. Register. Visit www.bookshare.org and register from the "Join" link on any page. You will need a valid email address to sign up for Bookshare.org. When you register, be sure to enter the special offer code bc823 on the form to indicate the BookCourier $25 off special.
  2. Establish Proof of Qualification. First, send an email to bookcourier@bookshare.org with your BookCourier’s serial number. The serial number can be read by the unit once it is up and running, plus it is printed on the box and in the unit itself (just lift the battery cover). Also, you must submit proof of a qualifying disability. (This is one of the legal requirements under which Bookshare.org operates.)
  3. Pay for your subscription. After your proof of disability is verified, you will get an email from Bookshare.org with instructions on how to pay for your subscription.
  4. Install the Bookshare.org Unpack Tool (optional). If you plan only on reading your Bookshare.org books on the BookCourier, you’re all set. But, if you would like to read books on other portable devices or on your computer, you need to download and install the Bookshare.org Unpack Tool. This tool asks for your member password to decrypt the books once they are downloaded onto your computer. Install the Unpack Tool from the Download Tools page.

Happy Reading!

Bookshare.org Discounted Subscription Details

  • Available only to people who reside in the United States
  • New Bookshare.org members only
  • Proof of a qualifying disability is required
  • Bookshare.org membership must be initiated within 6 months of BookCourier purchase
  • Only one discount per purchase of a BookCourier

Useful Bookshare.org Links

Click here to return to Chapter 3, Using Bookshare.org Files.

Warranty Information


SPRINGER DESIGN, INC. ("Springer Design, Inc.") warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship for a period of ONE (1) YEAR from the date of original retail purchase by the original consumer purchaser.

If you discover a defect in this product, Springer Design, Inc. will, at its option, repair, replace or refund the purchase price of this product at no charge to you, provided you return it during the warranty period, transportation charges prepaid, to the dealer from whom you purchased it or to Springer Design, Inc. A copy of your purchase receipt or other proof of date of original consumer purchase must be provided with each product returned for warranty service. Please also attach your name, address, telephone number, and a complete description of the problem when returning any Springer Design, Inc. product for warranty service.

You may request additional information about this warranty by contacting the Springer Design, Inc. dealer from whom the product was purchased, or by contacting Springer Design, Inc. directly. This warranty applies only to products manufactured by Springer Design, Inc.; Springer Design, Inc. does not warrant any products that are not Springer Design, Inc. products. This warranty does not apply if the product has been damaged by accident, abuse, misuse or misapplication, has been disassembled or modified without the written permission of Springer Design, Inc., or if any Springer Design, Inc. serial number has been removed or altered.

ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO NINETY DAYS FROM THE DATE OF ORIGINAL RETAIL PURCHASE OF THIS PRODUCT.

THE WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHERS, ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. No Springer Design, Inc. dealer, agent or employee is authorized to make any modification, extension or addition to this warranty.

SPRINGER DESIGN, INC. IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY, OR UNDER ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, GOODWILL, DOWNTIME, DAMAGE TO OR REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY, AND ANY COSTS OF RECOVERING, REPROGRAMMING OR REPRODUCING ANY PROGRAM OR DATA STORED IN OR USED WITH SPRINGER DESIGN, INC. PRODUCTS.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

 

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Copyright © 2002-2007 Springer Design, Inc. All rights reserved. Revised: June 19, 2007