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SENSORS
Troubleshooting GALE

USB Cameras - Finish Exam

"Unplug to Finish" Otoscope

On some otoscope and exam camera activities, you may be prompted to unplug the camera to finish (close) the exam. Simply unplug/detach the camera from the USB port on the GALE tablet. Video Example

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  1. Do not use the camera's power button to turn off a USB camera while the camera activity is running. Do: unplug the camera to turn it off.

  2. Do not use the GALE power button to turn off the screen while the camera activity is running. Do: unplug the camera, end the session, and then turn off GALE.

Related Resources:

  1. Video - unplug camera to finish

  2. Video - how to use a USB camera during a call

USB Cameras - How to use during a call

How to use a USB Camera during a call 
  1. Open the sidebar menu on the top left of the Zoom screen
  2. Select the applicable camera sensor
  3. Plug in the USB Camera. Power it on if applicable.
  4. Accept the on-screen permissions
  5. Press the green "Start" button
  6. Accept the screen sharing permissions​

    1. If there is just one option, select "Share now"

    2. If there are multiple options

      1. Select "Entire Screen" from the dropdown​

      2. Tap "Start"

  7. Wait for the screen to share. This can take up to 10 seconds

  8. Take images by tapping the screen or using the capture image button on the bottom right side of the screen

  9. Unplug the camera to complete the exam. Note: not all cameras require this step​​

  10. Go back to the call

    1. Tap the floating call button and select "Back to Call"​

    2. Tap the Clinics tab along the bottom navigation menu

  11. Complete the call

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Tips on using a USB Camera during a call
  • Do not plug in the camera before the call. If you take images before starting a call, unplug the camera when the exam is complete and re-attach it during the call, following the in-call instructions in the sensor menu.
Related Resources:

  1. Video - unplug camera to finish

  2. Video - how to use a USB camera during a call

USB Cameras - Black Screen

Do not attempt to take an image when the camera activity has a black screen (move the camera around and adjust the brightness to try and find an image). Doing so may cause the app to become unresponsive.

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If the USB Camera has a black screen + permissions are requested

  1. Unplug the camera and plug it back in. Ensure the permission request appears.​

  2. If the permission request does appear

    1. Ensure the camera is turned on, if the camera requires​

    2. Play with the little scrolly-wheel on the side of the cable or camera to ensure the light is turned on.

    3. End the session and/or restart the tablet

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If the USB Camera has a black screen + no permissions are requested

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1. Test the camera on another device

  1. Plug the otoscope into a computer without the adapter

    1. Light comes on, works → Camera is fine; problem is the adapter

    2. Light doesn't come on, doesn't work → Camera may be faulty

  2. Plug the otoscope into a computer with the adapter

    1. Light comes on, works → Something may be going on with GALE

    2. Light doesn't come on, doesn't work → use test from above

  3. You can open a camera app on your computer for this test to see more camera results

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2. Test the adapter on another device

  1. Use the same adapter with another known-working device (e.g., flash drive, keyboard, another camera) on your computer

    1. Works → Adapter is fine

    2. Doesn't work → Adapter is faulty

Related Resources:

  1. Basic Troubleshooting

  2. Video - Common Issues

USB Cameras - Unresponsive or Crashing

Rarely, GALE may become unresponsive or crash while using a USB Camera. Most often, this is because of the tablet's camera driver, USB speed, and OTG support. 

The following are some tips to maintain responsiveness when using a USB Camera with GALE.
 

  1. Do: keep the GALE tablet's power above 50% if possible. Low power mode may affect the performance of USB devices and Zoom calls.

  2. Do not use the camera's power button to turn off a USB camera while the camera activity is running. Do: unplug the camera to turn it off.

  3. Do not use the GALE power button to turn off the screen while the camera activity is running. Do: unplug the camera, end the session, and then turn off GALE.

  4. Do not attempt to take an image when the camera activity has a black screen (move the camera around and adjust the brightness to try and find an image). Do: unplug the camera and try again if this happens.

  5. Do: plug the camera in and then start the camera activity. Some cameras do not require this, but if you are experiencing issues, try this sequence. This is applicable both when using the camera independently and during a Zoom video call.

  6. Do: unplug the camera to end the activity. Some cameras do not require this, but most do. 

  7. Do not try and navigate the app while the app appears unresponsive. Tapping the screen to try and recover the camera will put additional strain on the system. Do: navigate the app slowly. Wait for pages to load, permissions to display, and screens to share. If a camera appears to be unresponsive, wait.

  8. If you receive a message that GALE has become unresponsive, close the app, unplug the camera, and restart the tablet. 

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Known issues:
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  • Low power mode may affect the performance of USB devices and Zoom calls. To avoid interruptions, connect GALE to power at any opportunity, and try to keep GALE above 50% charge at all times.

  • Lock screen showing: If the Android lock screen is displayed when you plug in the otoscope... 

    • Set Lock screen to "None."​

      • Open Menu on GALE​

      • Go to Settings

      • Open "Wifi"

      • Go to "Security & Privacy"

      • Open "Device Unlock"

      • Open "Screen Lock"

      • Select "None"

  • Crash: In previous builds, using the Otoscope or Exam Camera immediately after the GALE device wakes from a black screen will cause GALE to crash. This issue should be resolved when upgrading to the 1.20.5 release.

    • How to avoid the crash: â€‹

      • ​Wake up the device using the side button on the GALE tablet

      • Begin a guest session

      • End the guest session

      • Begin another session

      • Continue with the patient visit as normal

    • If you experienced the crash:

      • Open GALE

      • Begin a new session immediately

      • Continue with the patient visit

      • Do not turn off or restart your device. If you do, proceed with the above "How to avoid the crash" steps

    • Note: This does not appear to affect all devices. If you have not seen this issue, your device may not be affected.​ See video

Related Resources:

  1. Basic Troubleshooting

  2. Video - Using a USB Camera during a Zoom call​

  3. Video - unplug camera to finish

USB Cameras - Blurry image

Teslong Otoscope
 

  1. Focal Length: The digital otoscope has a short focal length, which is why images may appear blurry when the device is held at a distance from a surface. e.g., if the inside of the ear is clear, but inside the mouth or on the skin is blurry, it may be due to the focal length. 

  2. Try different distances: Too close, you will likely see the bright light; too far away, you will likely get blurriness 

  3. Light: Adjust the scrolling light wheel on the USB cable.​

  4. Debris: You can, and should, clean the camera lens before and after each use to maintain image quality and avoid infection. Use a soft microfiber cloth or cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol or warm water to gently wipe the lens, removing oils, carbon, or debris. Avoid harsh, ammonia-based cleaners. 

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Prodent Exam Camera
 

  1. Protective cover: There is a front and a back to the protective cover. Ensure the cover is on correctly. 

  2. Debris: You can, and should, clean the camera lens before and after each use to maintain image quality and avoid infection. Use a soft microfiber cloth or cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol or warm water to gently wipe the lens, removing oils, carbon, or debris. Avoid harsh, ammonia-based cleaners. â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹

Related Resources:

  1. Basic Troubleshooting

  2. Video - Using a USB Camera during a Zoom call​

  3. Video - unplug camera to finish

Stethoscope (Mintti) - Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting topics (scroll down)

  1. Audio

  2. Connection to GALE

  3. During a call

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Important Stethoscope Tips

  1. Do not test GALE and Insights in the same room. You may end up in a feedback loop.​​

  2. Do not turn off the stethoscope while it's connected to GALE. You will need to restart the tablet before you can connect again.

  3. ​Do 

Related Resources:

  1. Basic Troubleshooting

  2. Troubleshooting Stethoscope

  3. Video - Common Issues

  4. Insights - Troubleshooting Stethoscope

Stethoscope (Mintti) - Audio issues

Can't hear the stethoscope

The stethoscope audio does not come through the GALE tablet speaker. To listen to the stethoscope, plug in a pair of good-quality headphones directly into the stethoscope's audio port.

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To determine the quality of the stethoscope, use the stethoscope without connecting it to the GALE tablet.

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If you cannot hear audio with headphones plugged in:

  1. Ensure the Stethoscope is turned on. If it won't turn on, ensure it's charged. 

  2. Ensure you can see the pleth on the stethoscope display screen. This will indicate there is audio to be heard

  3. Ensure the volume is turned up. Use the up and down arrows on the face of the Stethoscope. Note: the Stethoscope volume buttons only affect the audio coming through the Stethoscope headphones, and will not affect recording or remote provider audio volume.​​

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If the audio quality is poor

  • Ensure the stethoscope is placed on bare skin.

  • Ensure there is no fabric rubbing against the top of the stethoscope. Even the backside of the stethoscope is very sensitive.

  • Ensure there is no background noise. The Mintti Stethoscope is very sensitive and will pick up background audio like conversations in the distance, traffic, fans etc.

  • Do not use the stethoscope with Insights open in proximity. If you need to test the stethoscope and Insights on your own, use headphones on Insights, or you may end up in a feedback loop and results will be skewed.​

  • If the remote provider has indicated the audio is poor, â€‹see more... 

Related Resources:

  1. Basic Troubleshooting

  2. Stethoscope - Take a Recording

  3. Mintti FAQ

  4. Mintti Documentation

  5. Insights - Troubleshooting Stethoscope

Stethoscope (Mintti) - Connection issues

The stethoscope won't connect during the same exam

  • ​​Do ensure the stethoscope is close to the GALE tablet - at least 2 arm's length.

    • Do not use the stethoscope from too far away 

    • If this happens: wait at least 2 minutes before trying to reconnect​

  • Do ensure Bluetooth is toggled on

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The stethoscope won't reconnect during the same exam

  • ​​Do press "Disconnect" on GALE before turning off the stethoscope

    • Do not turn the stethoscope off during the exam

    • If this happens: end the session and restart the tablet before trying to connect again for another exam

  • Do wait at least 1 minute between exams

    • Do not try to reconnect the stethoscope right away

    • If this happens: 

      • Wait at least 2 minutes before trying to reconnect

      • Toggle on/off Bluetooth

        • Go to Menu > Settings

        • Bluetooth

        • Toggle Bluetooth off

        • Toggle Bluetooth on

        • Go back to GALE

        • Try the stethoscope again

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Other tips

  • Ensure the stethoscope is placed on bare skin.

  • Ensure there is no fabric rubbing against the top of the stethoscope. Even the backside of the stethoscope is very sensitive.

Related Resources:

  1. Basic Troubleshooting

  2. Video - Common Issues

  3. Insights - Troubleshooting Stethoscope

Using the Stethoscope during a call

If the remote provider has indicated the Stethoscope quality is poor or too quiet, try the GALE audio and connection suggestions, and direct them to the Provider Resources on this site.  â€‹

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GALE-related issues

  1. Audio issues - here

  2. Connection issues - here

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Provider-related issues

  1. The provider can't hear the stethoscope - here

  2. The stethoscope is quiet - here

  3. The quality of the stethoscope is poor - here

Related Resources:

  1. Basic Troubleshooting

  2. GALE - Troubleshooting Stethoscope

  3. Insights - Troubleshooting Stethoscope

Bluetooth devices won't connect

Ensure the device is close to GALE

Before beginning the measurement, ensure the Bluetooth device is about an arm's length away.

Ensure Bluetooth is toggled on 

  1. Open GALE Menu (bottom right)

  2. Select Settings

  3. Open "Bluetooth" from the side menu

  4. Ensure the Bluetooth toggle is on​

A single device won't connect

If Bluetooth is toggled on, ensure the Bluetooth device is paired â€‹

  1. Open GALE Menu (bottom right)

  2. Settings

  3. Open "Bluetooth" from the side menu

  4. Ensure the device is in pairing mode​

  5. Tap the device under "Available Devices" or "Pair New Device" or "More" etc.​

No Bluetooth devices will connect

If Bluetooth is toggled on, check Location Services

  1. Open Android Settings - how to

  2. Go to or search "Location Services"

  3. Ensure "Use Location" is toggled on

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Related Resources:

  1. Basic Troubleshooting

  2. Video - Common Issues

Troubleshooting Bluetooth Keyboards

How to pair a Bluetooth keyboard

Ensure the Bluetooth keyboard is Paired 

  1. Open Android Settings - how to

  2. Go to or search "Bluetooth"

  3. Ensure the device is in pairing mode​

  4. Tap the device under "Available Devices" or "Pair New Device" or "More" etc.​

The Bluetooth keyboard closes the GALE app

If every time you connect or use a Bluetooth keyboard the GALE application closes, check to ensure the keyboard is in "Tablet" mode.

  1. Open Android settings

  2. Go to or search "Pen and Keyboard"

  3. Tap "Physical Keyboard"

  4. Tap "System mode when a keyboard is connected"

  5. Ensure “Tablet” is selected (and not PC mode)

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Related Resources:

  1. Basic Troubleshooting

  2. Video - Common Issues

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