Echo Smart Activ - User guide
Can my dog use Echo?
This section outlines the criteria that determine whether a dog is suitable for using the Echo-BlindDog system. To benefit from this echolocation device, your dog must meet the following conditions:
- Significant Vision Loss: Your dog must have substantial vision loss that makes it reliant on alternative methods for navigating its surroundings.
- Proper Hearing Ability: Your dog must have functional hearing to detect the sound signals emitted by the Echo system.
- Adequate Focus Capacity: Your dog must have sufficient ability to focus in order to interpret and effectively respond to echolocation signals.
- Good General Health: Your dog should be in good overall health, with no major conditions, ensuring safe and optimal use of the system.
- Appropriate Age: Your dog should fall within an appropriate age range. Use is generally not recommended for very young puppies due to their ongoing spatial learning. Older dogs should be assessed individually based on their health and adaptability.
This section provides detailed information about the essential criteria for determining a dog’s eligibility to use the Echo-BlindDog system, ensuring successful integration according to each canine user’s specific needs.
What size of dog can use Echo Smart Activ?
Echo Smart Activ is suitable for both small and large dogs.
However, it is important to note that larger dogs naturally have a slight advantage, as the sound signal is emitted from a higher position, which helps its propagation. That said, the results observed with smaller dogs remain entirely convincing.
Safety Precautions
When using the Echolocation System for Blind Dogs, it is essential to take certain precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of your dog. Please follow the recommendations below carefully:
Warning: Risk of falls! Echo-BlindDog does not detect negative surfaces or objects such as holes.
Constant supervision: Even with the echolocation system, it is crucial to closely monitor your dog during movement. The system provides support, but the owner’s vigilance remains essential to anticipate unexpected situations.
Communication with your dog: Learn to interpret your dog’s signals when using the system. Observe their reactions and adapt your communication accordingly. Using Echo-BlindDog in complex or unfamiliar terrain requires your dog’s full concentration. If the dog seems stressed or confused, be extra cautious to anticipate dangers and reassure your dog.
Avoid excessive sound distractions: In noisy environments, your dog may struggle to distinguish the system’s sound signals. Whenever possible, avoid areas with high noise levels to optimize system performance.
Caution: While the echolocation system is a valuable tool, it does not replace the owner’s responsibility. Stay alert to the surroundings, adapt your behavior based on your dog’s reactions, and don’t hesitate to intervene manually if unexpected situations arise. When in doubt, it is always best to prioritize your dog’s safety by taking direct action.
Getting Started with Your Echo Smart Activ
Echo Smart Activ was developed with a clear goal: to provide a simple, intuitive, and accessible experience for everyone.
Designed to be used without any technical skills, the device features the intelligent Smart Activ function, which automatically activates the signal as soon as the dog is in motion.
Thanks to this technology, we were able to reduce the user interface to a single button: the reset button.
This choice allows us to offer a lightweight, discreet, and easy-to-use product, both for dogs and their owners.
In keeping with this principle of maximum simplicity, Echo Smart Activ is delivered in active mode.
To turn it off, simply stop moving it: the device will automatically enter standby mode.
Installation on the dog’s collar is quick, usage is autonomous, and the device operates without manual intervention once properly positioned.
Installation on your dog's collar
Prepare the collar Use an adjustable collar. It should be slightly loose so it can be put on and taken off over the dog’s head without unbuckling. However, it should not be too loose. A good indicator is that, when removing it without opening, the collar should rub slightly against the dog’s head. This ensures the correct length and optimal height positioning of the Echo. Also check and adjust the placement according to the diagram shown in the chapter “Activating Echo-BlindDog upon receipt.”
Position the Echo The two round sound emitters, visible in the photo, must be facing forward, aligned with the dog’s snout. This positioning is essential for effective environmental detection.
Attach the module Pass the collar through the side loops of the Echo, as shown in the photo. The cord provided with the Echo is designed to ensure stable attachment, preventing any back-and-forth movement. Follow the recommended threading to guarantee a firm and secure hold of the module.
Pre-use check Before each use, make sure of the following to ensure the proper functioning of the Echo and your dog’s comfort: – The Echo is correctly positioned and facing forward. – The light sequence operates normally. – The collar is properly adjusted and does not hinder the dog’s movements. – The cord is securely tied, and the entire setup is solid and safe.
Key Elements
Rep.01 – Status and Startup LED
This LED indicates that the device is operating correctly. It automatically lights up during the startup sequence and then blinks at regular intervals.
Function:
- Visual confirmation of Echo startup.
- Regular blinking indicates the device is functioning normally.
- Helps with diagnostics in case of a malfunction.
Rep.02 – Sound Emitters
These two metal grills protect the emitters that generate the sound signal. Their position allows for a frontal and balanced diffusion of the signal into the dog’s immediate environment.
Function:
- Emits brief sound signals when the dog is moving.
- Generates sound only when the dog is in motion.
Notes:
- Avoid covering or dirtying the grills: this could impair signal diffusion.
- A stable and unobstructed position improves the dog’s perception of the signal.
Rep.03 – USB-C Charging Port
This is the main charging port of the Echo Smart Activ. This USB-C port supports a standard power supply of 5V – 1A maximum.
Function:
- Charges the device’s internal battery.
- Compatible with most USB-C cables and adapters on the market.
Notes:
- Use only a 5V charger (do not exceed 1A).
- We recommend charging for 20 minutes per month to ensure optimal sound quality for your dog and to preserve battery life.
Rep.04 – Protective Cap
This flexible cap protects the USB-C port from moisture, dust, and splashes.
Function:
- Provides partial waterproofing for the charging area.
- Prevents oxidation or dirt buildup in the port.
Tip: Always firmly replace the cap after each charge. This helps ensure a longer lifespan for the device.
Rep.05 – Reset Button This button allows you to reset the device at any time. It is especially useful in case of a malfunction or to restart the startup sequence. Function:
- Software reset of the device.
- Restarts the signal in case of interruption.
Usage: A brief press on the reset button is enough to restart the device. Shortly after, the LED blinks three times, indicating that the reset is successful. This is followed by a regular blinking sequence, corresponding to an initial automatic sound signal sequence. You will generally observe 4 or more flashes, depending on whether the unit has detected movement.
Tip: If, after pressing the reset button, the LED blinks three times but no regular blinking follows, consider recharging your Echo. The battery is likely low.
Setting Up Your Echo-BlindDog Upon Delivery
You’ve just received the Echo device for your dog.
- Unpack the device.
- Apply the Reference Mobile Phone method. (See FAQ section “Sound Emission Verification and Reference Mobile Phone Method”)
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Refer to the diagram below showing the correct placement of the Echo device on your dog’s collar, highlighting incorrect placements (in red) and the correct placement (in green):
- Too High Position (Red): Placing the Echo too close to the dog’s neck or head can interfere with the propagation of sound waves, reducing the device’s effectiveness.
- Correct Position (Green): The Echo should be positioned at shoulder height (point A). This is the ideal location for optimal sound wave propagation and reliable functionality.
- Too Low Position (Red): If the Echo is placed too low on the chest or abdomen, it may be obstructed by your dog’s movements, reducing its effectiveness.
- Ensure the Echo is properly positioned at chest height.
- Make sure the device does not fall into the water bowl when your dog drinks.
- Press the function mode button to exit pause mode.
Tip 1: Echo Smart Activ is a sound-based device. For it to work effectively, it is essential that the signals propagate freely around the dog. Proper placement and enough clearance around the device ensure optimal results.
Tip 2: To prevent the device from falling into the bowl while your dog is drinking, use a bowl with high edges. This way, Echo can rest on the rim during drinking without coming into contact with the water.
Indicator Light Sequences
Normal Operation
In normal operation, the blue LED blinks at a regular pace when the device is in motion, then stops after a sequence of 4 or 8 blinks when it remains still.
This blinking indicates that the device is active, the sound signal is being generated, and everything is functioning correctly.
Error Mode
If the blue LED blinks very rapidly, continuously, with an irregular rhythm, or does not light up at all, it signals a device malfunction.
In this case:
Remove the Echo from your dog
Perform a reset
Run a functionality test (e.g., the “reference phone” method) before any further use
If the device does not restart after the reset, fully recharge it, then repeat the procedure starting from step 1
Do not use the device until it emits a normal blinking sequence.
Reset
A short press on the reset button restarts the device.
A few seconds after pressing, the LED blinks three times, followed by a sequence of sound signals.
This output is visible as a series of 4 or 8 blinks, depending on whether the device is moving or not.
When the device is stationary, Echo automatically returns to standby mode and resumes activity as soon as new movement is detected.
Understanding My Dog with Echo-BlindDog
This section is essential to help you anticipate and adapt to your dog’s reactions and detections.
The principle behind Echo-BlindDog is echolocation. It operates based on the principles of sound propagation and reflection. Sound is a mechanical wave that travels through all physical media (gas, liquid, solid). Its speed depends on the nature of the medium it moves through, as well as the temperature.
Sound wave propagation in the atmosphere is a complex phenomenon influenced by many elements, such as terrain topography, soil type, and atmospheric conditions.
1 – The reflection phenomenon
Sound waves are reflected by the various obstacles they encounter, including the ground, which can sometimes transmit sound waves over long distances. When interacting with an obstacle, part of the wave is reflected after being altered by the surface’s characteristics. Reflection can be total on a perfectly smooth reflective surface (such as smooth concrete) or partial on an absorbent or rough surface. The reflected wave may interfere with the direct wave, causing interference patterns.
This explains why your blind dog will detect obstacles better in urban environments, and will detect trees (hard surfaces) more easily than bushes (soft surfaces). This is also why your dog will not be able to detect negative surfaces like holes.
2 – The diffraction phenomenon
When a sound wave encounters a discontinuity (edge of an obstacle, hole, etc.), it is affected by diffraction. This results in the wave being re-emitted in many directions from the discontinuity. This phenomenon is common in outdoor acoustics and occurs, for example, at the edges or tops of walls, acoustic screens, building edges (walls, roofs), or sharply varied terrain (hilltops, mounds, etc.).
This is why your dog will be able to accurately detect curbs or stairs (hard surfaces + diffraction).
3 – Atmospheric effects
The chemical composition of the air and its physical properties can affect a sound wave as it travels. These effects are typically grouped into atmospheric absorption and meteorological characteristics.
a – Atmospheric absorption:
Atmospheric absorption depends on temperature (the warmer it is, the lower the absorption) and the air’s humidity level (higher humidity decreases absorption). It has a stronger effect on high frequencies and is generally significant only over long distances.
b – Weather conditions:
Sound propagation also depends on weather. Sound rays can bend upward or downward depending on wind direction and temperature gradient. With a tailwind, you may clearly hear highway traffic from several hundred meters away, while with a headwind, the sound is greatly diminished. In cases of temperature inversion, sound rays bend downward, increasing perceived noise. For example, after night cooling, a train can be heard from 5 km away despite obstacles, as the sound travels beneath the inversion layer through waveguide effect.
This is why your dog will use Echo-BlindDog more effectively on dry, warm, windless days.
Conversely, rain, snow, and wind (including fans) can affect the purity of Echo-BlindDog’s sound signal.
Training
Training your dog with Echo-BlindDog is a progressive process divided into three distinct stages, each with recommended durations to ensure optimal understanding and build your dog’s confidence.
Stage 1: Discovery (from 5 hours to several weeks)
Begin in a familiar and simple environment. Activate the system and gently guide your dog, allowing them to get used to the sound signals emitted by Echo-BlindDog. Reward each success positively and ensure the dog associates the sounds with correct actions.
Stage 2: Progression (1 to 3 months)
Once your dog has acquired a basic understanding of the system, move on to more complex environments. Gradually introduce additional obstacles and encourage your dog to actively use Echo-BlindDog to navigate. Continue providing positive rewards and encouragement to reinforce the desired behavior.
Stage 3: Assimilation (beyond 3 months)
To fully strengthen your dog’s skills, simulate real-life situations. Take your regular walking routes with Echo-BlindDog to detect and avoid obstacles. Repeat these scenarios to build your dog’s confidence and competence in various environments. Continue to reward positively and adjust the level of difficulty based on your dog’s progress.
These recommended durations serve as guidelines, but it is essential to adapt to your dog’s individual pace, always prioritizing their safety, reactions, and comfort throughout the training process.
Warning: Risk of falls! Echo-BlindDog does not detect negative surfaces or objects such as holes.
I can't hear the sound from my dog's device.
Echo emits sounds outside the range of human hearing, so you won’t be able to hear them!
To test that the device is working properly, you should:
- Check for the presence of the regular blue visual indicator, which shows that the program is running correctly.
- Verify that the sound emitters are working using the “reference mobile phone” method.
Note: Any other blinking sequence of the blue visual indicator signals a malfunction. In this case, remove Echo Smart Activ from your dog.
Follow the steps described in the “Reset the device” and “Reference mobile phone” sections.
If you cannot restore a normal blinking sequence, please contact us via the contact form and describe the blue LED sequence in detail.
As a precaution, do not place Echo Smart Activ back on your dog until the issue has been resolved.
Sound Emission Check and “Reference mobile phone” Method
Although Echo-BlindDog emits sounds outside the range of human hearing, you can verify its functionality by following these steps:
- Ensure the regular blue visual indicator is present, confirming the system is operating properly.
- Use your mobile phone and open your sound recording application.
- Place your phone’s microphone approximately 1–5 cm from the piezoelectric emitter you want to test.
- Record for about 30 seconds.
- Play back the recording on your phone.
If you hear clicking sounds during playback, this confirms the device is functioning correctly and emitting signals. You can then use this phone as your Reference Mobile Phone for all future checks.
If you do not hear any clicking sounds, it is possible that your phone’s microphone cannot capture the frequency emitted by Echo-BlindDog. Repeat the process with a different phone model until you find a Reference Mobile Phone capable of detecting the signal.
Note: We strongly recommend identifying a Reference Mobile Phone as soon as you receive your Echo-BlindDog. This will ensure reliable checks of your dog’s device in the future.
Battery Life and Charging
The estimated battery life of Echo Smart Activ is 60 days.
This duration may vary depending on your dog’s activity level.
The device is charged using a USB Type-C port, either with the included charger or a standard phone charger (5V max 1A).
Note 1: Do not use fast-charging adapters.
Note 2: We strongly recommend recharging the battery for 20 minutes each month to maintain optimal sound signal quality and extend battery life.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Piezoelectric Emitters
The piezoelectric emitters are essential components of the Echo system.
Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure proper functioning and to extend their lifespan.
Regular Cleaning
Avoid dirt buildup: Emitters can accumulate dust, dirt, or other particles. Use a dry brush and a soft dry cloth to gently clean their outer surfaces.
Do not use solvents or harsh products: Avoid using aggressive chemicals, alcohol, or any substances that could damage the emitters’ surfaces.
Visual Inspection
Check physical condition: Regularly inspect the emitters for signs of damage, cracks, or excessive wear.
Protection from Moisture
Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture: Although the system is weather-resistant, extended exposure to highly humid environments may affect the emitters’ performance.
Use and Drying in Rain or Wet Tall Grass
If your dog’s behavior changes during a walk:
If the emitters are damp, their sound emissions may be significantly altered. Blow firmly on the emitters to remove excess water/moisture so your dog can regain audio assistance. Repeat as needed.
Dry thoroughly after use in the rain:
If used in rainy conditions, make sure to thoroughly dry the emitters/receivers after each outing to prevent moisture-related damage.
Periodic Testing
Perform functional tests: Periodically test the system (using the reference phone method) in controlled conditions to ensure that the emitters/receivers are working correctly.
By following these maintenance recommendations, you ensure optimal operation of the piezoelectric emitters/receivers, thus enhancing the overall performance of the Echolocation System for Blind Dogs.
Water and Humidity
Water:
Echo is not technically waterproof. Immersing the device is strongly discouraged, as it may damage the internal electronic components and compromise the system’s proper function.
Humidity:
While the system is resistant to normal weather conditions, prolonged exposure of the piezoelectric transducers to moisture may temporarily affect the sound performance of the device.
Tip: If your dog’s behavior changes during a walk, check whether the emitters are damp. Moisture can significantly alter sound emissions. Blow firmly on the emitters to remove excess water or humidity so your dog regains proper audio guidance. Repeat the process as often as necessary.
Dry the emitters thoroughly after use in the rain: If the system has been used in rainy conditions, make sure to dry the emitters carefully after each outing to prevent moisture-related damage.
Warranty
The Echo-BlindDog device is covered by a one-year warranty from the date of purchase, ensuring its quality and reliability. The warranty covers manufacturing defects and issues resulting from normal use of the device.
- Unauthorized Modifications: Any unauthorized alteration of the device will void the warranty.
- Physical Damage: Damage resulting from rough handling, impact, lack of maintenance, or exposure to extreme environmental conditions or immersion is not covered.
- Improper Use: Use that does not comply with the instructions in the user manual will void the warranty.
- Unauthorized Repairs: Attempted repairs by unauthorized individuals will void the warranty.
For any warranty claims, please contact us via our website: www.echo-blinddog.com