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What is the firmware version for the eBeam System1?

The firmware version will depend on the eBeam System1 model.  If you have the eBeam Whiteboard System1, the correct firmware version is 2.06.00.  If you have the eBeam Projection System1, the correct firmware version is 2.10.02.

If your eBeam System1 has a firmware version of 1.x, you will need to first run the 1.x to 2.x firmware upgrader.  If your eBeam System1 has a firmware version of 2.x, you can run the 2.06.00/2.10.02 firmware upgrader. 

What type of power supply does the eBeam System1 require?

The power supply for the serial System 1 is a 9V / 1.7A Switching Adapter.

Which versions of eBeam software will work with the eBeam System1?

The eBeam System1 is a discontinued product that was last manufactured in 2001, so our latest software versions are no longer compatible with this system. 

If you are using the whiteboard marker pens, please use eBeam Software 2.4 for Windows or eBeam Software 2.1.3a for Mac. 

Click here to download eBeam Software 2.4 for Windows. 

Click here to download eBeam Software 2.1.3a for Macintosh.  (Please note eBeam Software 2.1.3a is not compatible with OS X 10.5 or 10.6.)

If your eBeam System1 came with the interactive stylus pen, you may be able to use an older version of eBeam Interact. 

Click here to download eBeam Interact 2.1.1 for Windows. 

Click here to download eBeam Interact 1.0 for Macintosh.   

What size boards will eBeam retrofit?

eBeam Interact can be used with any blank, smooth projection surface from 1.5 by 1.5 feet to 6 feet by 4 feet. (Consult the specifications of your projector if you are unsure about the area of the image it projects.)

eBeam Whiteboard can be installed on any whiteboard from 1.5 by 1.5 feet to 8 feet by 4 feet. 

eBeam System 1 can be installed on any whiteboard from 1.5 by 1.5 feet to 8 feet wide and up to 4 feet high.

What type of serial cable does eBeam use, and what is maximum length of cable that can be used?

eBeam ships with a special 20-foot serial cable that uses the Electronic Industries Association (EIA) RS-232 standard for serial communications with the PC or Mac.

The small RJ12 connector of the serial cable plugs into the right pod.

Plug the other end of the serial cable (large DB9 connector) into one of the computer's 9-pin COM ports. The large connector also has a socket for the power adapter cable.

If your PC or Mac only has a 25-pin serial connector available, you will need to purchase a 9-to-25-pin adapter from a computer supply store or catalog.

If you want to have a longer serial cable, you can daisy chain onto the eBeam cable a standard, shielded serial cable. The maximum serial cable length tested and supported is 50 feet.

Note, that if an extension cable is used, and the eBeam pods do not function properly, the extension cable may not support all of the pins required.

Does eBeam work with USB?

eBeam Whiteboard and eBeam Interact are available in two versions, USB and USB/Bluetooth.

Are special markers and erasers required?

Four color-coded eBeam marker sleeves with caps are included with eBeam. These sleeves house four standard Sanford EXPO or EXPO2 dry erase markers (black, red, green and blue).

When a marker dries up, simply replace it with another Sanford EXPO or EXPO 2 marker, bullet tip. Using markers other than EXPO could damage the eBeam sleeve.

The eraser supplied with eBeam has a 2-inch circular felt surface. In order to capture eraser strokes, the eBeam eraser must be used. (Standard dry erasers will erase the whiteboard, but will not erase the digitized strokes.)  

Additional eraser pads are available should your pad need replacing.

What types of batteries do the eBeam sleeves and eraser use?

Ten coin cell batteries are included with the eBeam hardware (two for each sleeve and two for the eraser).

Sleeve Battery Insertion	Eraser Battery Insertion

Periodically, you will need to replace the two coin-sized batteries, with the plus (+) side up. If the pen or eraser doesn't make any noise when you touch it to the board, it could be time to replace the batteries. For replacement batteries, use coin cell batteries, size CR2032.

Note: To prolong the life of eraser batteries, avoid resting the eraser on the pad.

What file format does eBeam use and can I export the data to other applications?

eBeam uses two proprietary, vector-based formats. eBeam Software uses .WBD format, and eBeam Interact uses .ESB format. eBeam Interact can read and write .WBD for backward compatibility.

You can save any eBeam file in a variety of formats including vector & raster PDF (*.PDF), HTML (*.HTM), 256 color Bitmap EPS (*.EPS), JPEG (*.JPG), Windows Bitmap (*.BMP), and TIFF (*.TIF).

In addition:

• Images can be copied and pasted into other files
• All or portions of an eBeam file can be sent as a mail attachment via Microsoft Outlook Express, Microsoft Outlook, or any other MAPI-compliant email program. Any file format in which you can save an eBeam meeting can also be used as a mail attachment. However, HTML is not available because a folder is created (containing meeting pages) and eBeam cannot attach a folder to an Exchange message.

When you export one or more eBeam files to HTML, you can then publish the files created in the HTML folder to any web server of your choosing, making the images available for viewing in any standard Web browser.

Will eBeam System1 work on a Macintosh?

The newer Mac OS X 10.5 and 10.6 versions will not support the whiteboard software that is compatible with the eBeam System1.

Will eBeam work on UNIX, Linux, or AIX?

At this time, there is not a Java version of the eBeam software available that will allow versions of Unix & Linux to use the eBeam systems.

What does "record and playback" presentations mean?

When using the eBeam system, you actually record information as it is created. Unlike other systems, eBeam does not capture an image of what is on the board. eBeam captures the motion of your pen and eraser strokes over time.

This is a very powerful tool that can provide immediate value. For example, suppose you are designing a workflow process on the board, but erase part of it by mistake. With eBeam, since all strokes of the pen and eraser are captured, you simply use the eBeam Play Controls to "rewind" and "playback" to the point in time that the workflow data was visible and print that point in time.

This not only lets you capture "lost" data, but allows you to distribute recordings of whiteboards with more information. Instead of merely reviewing the end-result of notes, audiences can choose to follow the thought process by viewing a "playback" recreation of the notes as they were created.

What about handwriting recognition (HWR)?

Handwriting recognition is possible using eBeam even though Luidia, Inc. does not make a HWR add-on for the eBeam System. Microsoft™ Office XP™ now supports handwriting recognition. This is most useful in projection mode where the user can write information on the whiteboard that is automatically converted to text on the computer.

Any 3rd party handwriting recognition package (e.g. EverNote RitePen or PenOffice from Phatware) that allows input using the computer's mouse can be used in conjunction with the eBeam in projection mode.

Will eBeam allow me to use my whiteboard as a "touchscreen"?

Yes. eBeam Whiteboard software has a projection mode that allows you to convert your whiteboard into a touchscreen.

What this means is that when you use an LCD projector with the eBeam Whiteboard projection mode, a sleeve housing the eBeam mouse insert will control the mouse cursor from the board. The eBeam mouse insert is included in the package and is a piece of plastic shaped like a marker pen, but with no ink.

After a simple calibration process, the eBeam mouse stylus can point, click, drag and drop, and otherwise control most PC or Mac operations directly from the whiteboard to which the eBeam pod(s) are connected.

If you will be using a projector exclusively, we recommend the eBeam Projection system. Instead of marker sleeves, it includes a special stylus with buttons for easy access to menus and tools. It also includes the eBeam Interact software, which is optimized for use in projection mode.

We also offer the eBeam Projection Companion Kit for owners of System 3 (Whiteboard) who would like to upgrade to the Projection system.

When I'm using eBeam mouse and a projector, how do I "right mouse" click?

Simply touch the eBeam mouse (eBeam sleeve with digital stylus insert) to the board and hold in one place without moving for 1 second, then pull the eBeam mouse away from the board.

A right-click menu appears. 

Is rear projection supported?

Usually, the eBeam pods retrofit and attach to the front of an existing whiteboard or flat surface. However, the eBeam pods could be mounted on the front of a rear projection display system.

The eBeam mouse option allows you to use a sleeve with a digital stylus insert as a mouse, pointer or pen. This would give you the ability to control the PC without the "shadows" typically seen on front projection systems and "draw" on the rear projection display panel without leaving any marks.

Is there an SDK or API available for eBeam?

Yes. We have a SDK and offer support packages as well. Please contact us for more details.

(Please let us know if you will require SDK support.)

How do I stop the eBeam application from automatically detecting the pods at application startup?

By default, when you start the eBeam application, it tries to detect the eBeam pod(s). If you frequently use the software without the eBeam hardware, you may prefer to disable "Detect eBeam at application start."

On Windows-based computers: Choose Edit > Setup. Click the checkbox next to "Detect eBeam at application start". Click OK to close the Setup dialog box.

On Macintosh computers: Choose eBeam > Preferences. Click the checkbox next to "Detect eBeam Hardware at application start" under the eBeam Hardware tab. Click OK to close the dialog box.

When this preference is disabled, and you then want to use the eBeam-enabled whiteboard, you will have to detect eBeam manually. To manually detect eBeam, select Tools > Detect eBeam (PC) or System > Detect (Mac).

Can I upgrade my receiver(s) with new firmware?

Because the eBeam system is equipped with a digital signal processor, it can be upgraded by downloading new firmware. Be sure that you check your firmware version as shown in the image below and upgrade as necessary by downloading upgrades.

My eBeam pen sleeve has stopped working. What can I do?

We strive to make sure that eBeam components meet strict manufacturing requirements, but sometimes there are problems. If your eBeam system was purchased within the last 24 months and your pen sleeve has stopped working, fill out the RMA form and fax or mail the completed form to us. We will give you instructions on how to return your defective pen for a free replacement. Note: your eBeam warranty does not cover damage from misuse.

What are the specifications for the power supply and where can I get one?

Replacement power supplies can be ordered through our online store or through your local reseller.

If you would like to use your own power supply, be aware that this will void your warranty. If you are having problems identifying the eBeam power supply from others in your collection, use this photo of the System 1 power supply to help locate it.

What is eBeam's warranty?

Should your eBeam fail due to a materials defect or faulty craftsmanship, a two year parts and labor warranty protects your purchase.

Please leave a message on our technical support line at 877 Go eBeam (877-463-2326), option 3, or use our tech support request form.

How do I contact Technical Support?

Technical Support is available Monday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. Support requests will be answered by the close of the business day following their receipt.

Please use our Technical Support Request Form

Phone: 877 GO-EBEAM x3 (877.463.2326), or 650-413-7550

Luidia is currently offering complimentary technical support for 30 days upon registration of your purchase.

How do I care for my eBeam hardware?

At Luidia, we take pride in the products that we manufacture and design and we hope that you take pride in them as well. For this reason we have put together a separate page on care for your eBeam components. Find it here.

What is eBeam and how does it work?

eBeam from Luidia is an elegantly simple way to preserve and communicate the spontaneous notes and sketches you make on a whiteboard.

 

You can share your data by hosting eBeam meetings with networked guests, or join meetings held by other eBeam hosts. At any time, the captured notes can be printed, saved to disk in a number of file formats, replayed, edited, annotated and emailed.

When you attach the eBeam pods on either side of any existing dry erase whiteboard, eBeam transforms the board into an electronic capture area. Both the eBeam eraser and the sleeves that house the EXPO markers are essentially transmitters that emit signals to the two pods.

The eBeam pod's technology triangulates the position of the eraser or marker sleeve and sends the information through the serial cable to the eBeam application.

Learn more (What Is eBeam.pdf - 377KB)

How is eBeam System 1 set up?

eBeam uses a technology based on ultrasonic transmitters to capture what is written on a stroke-by-stroke basis and sends it to a connected PC or Mac. The data is preserved within the eBeam software application which the user can then play back, print, email, edit or annotate.

For eBeam System 1:

1. Press the left and right pods against the whiteboard at the upper-left and upper right edges of the whiteboard
2. Run the pod cable from the left pod to the right pod, and plug it into the right pod.
   
3. Plug one end of the serial cable into the right pod.
   
4. Plug the other end of the serial cable (large DB9 connector) into one of the computer's 9-pin COM ports.
   
5. The serial connector also has a socket for the power adapter cable. Plug one end of the power cable into the power supply, and plug the other end into a wall outlet. Plug the power adapter cable into the connector you just plugged into the computer.
   
   
   

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6. Insert the batteries and EXPO markers into the eBeam sleeves and eraser.
   
7. Install the eBeam software on your PC, Macintosh, or handheld device.

You are now ready to capture your data!

What are the minimum system requirements for eBeam?

• Windows 2000, XP, Server 2003, or Vista
• Pentium II, 400mhz processor or better
• Available USB port

Screen recording requirements:

• Pentium IV, 1.4Ghz processor or better
• 512MB memory available

eBeam data conferencing:

• All users wanting to share or participate in an eBeam meeting must be on an Ethernet network using TCP/IP protocols and each computer must have a valid IP address.
• Users on a network can participate in a meeting by downloading eBeam software free, even if they don't have their own eBeam systems. They can also log in through the web using the latest version of Netscape Communicator or Microsoft Internet Explorer on PC or the latest version of Safari on Mac OS X.
• If you experience any trouble using the web-based meeting feature, please get the latest version of Sun Java for PC, or run Software Update from Mac OS X's Apple Menu and install any applicable updates to Java.