What's included?
The IE-33 comes as a complete package. It includes the Compaq® iPAQ® model 5550 with charger, synchronization cradle and cables (USB/RS232), custom acoustic analyzer software, and IvieXLS© graphing and plotting software (requires Microsoft Excel), manual, IE-33 custom jacket with built in high quality preamplifier, analog/digital converter, IE-33 hardware, built-in battery management hardware, IE-33M Type II microphone with mini QG connector, and custom belt-pack carrying case.

A version of the package without the iPAQ (the "IE-33J") is also available. See comments on requirements and limitations and compatibility in this document.

Can I use my own iPAQ? I already have one.
Yes you can, "but" . . . The IE-33 jacket is available without the iPAQ (this is called the "IE-33J"). However, due to differences in processor speed and in operating system compatibility you MUST have a compatible iPAQ model. Ivie supports several models of iPAQ, including the 3950, 3955, 5150, 5155, 5450, 5455, 5550, and 5555. Only iPAQ models that employ the 400 MHz processor and use the Pocket PC 2003 operating system are supported. The Pocket PC 2002 OS will not run current versions of the IE-33 software. If with to use a 400 MHz iPAQ that is not listed above, feel free to contact Ivie for compatibility information.

What other models of iPAQ are available from Ivie?
While several model series of iPAQ are compatible with the IE-33 jacket, Ivie sells one model- the 5550. It has all the features and performance necessary for operation of the IE-33, offers the best economy, and the standard HP warranty applies. Contact Ivie or your local country distributor for pricing.

Why do I need an external "jacket" for the iPAQ? Why not just the internal microphone?
Good question. The IE-33 custom jacket (the "IE-33J") provides a number of advantages, without which one could not make precision measurements.

** The microphone: Most important is the microphone. The internal iPAQ microphone is fine for what it was intended - voice. But the microphone and input circuit of the iPAQ look like an A-Weighted response when measured with a flat input signal like pink noise. Trying to correct for the microphone response would seriously degrade the needed signal-to-noise and dynamic range. Ivie supplies, standard with the IE-33, an high quality Type II instrumentation microphone. And you can order the optional Type I air condenser instrumentation microphone for use with the IE-33.

** Superior signal-to-noise and dynamic range: Housed in the jacket is a high quality pre-amplifier which provides the signal to noise and dynamic range necessary for precision measurements. You won't find an instrumentation grade preamp inside the iPAQ, so we provide it in the jacket.

** Superior A/D: The jacket also contains a high quality A/D converter which is absolutely necessary. The iPAQ has a 16 bit A/D. The IE-33 jacket has a 20 bit A/D.

Can I use the iPAQ that comes with the IE-33 jacket as a regular PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)?
Yes! The iPAQ that comes with the IE-33 jacket is a standard iPAQ PDA product. It comes with all the calendar, contact, note, task and other premium software you get when you buy an iPAQ at the store. You can use if for your standard "hand office" as well as for all the powerful functions of the IE-33. You can even play standard Pocket PC games between meetings or measurement sessions!

Whether in the jacket, or removed from the jacket, you can use it as your PDA, with all the standard applications and functions... although you shouldn't try to use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi while running the IE-33 software (each program requires virtually all the processor's power.)

How big is the software, how many files can I store?
The iPAQ comes with about 64 MB of memory available. The IE-33 software occupies less than 250 KB. The number of data files you can store is limited only by the available memory of the iPAQ. If you were using the IE-33 ONLY for acoustic measurements, you could store over 1,800 data measurement files on the iPAQ with no expansion memory installed. If you need to expand memory, the iPAQ accommodates SD memory expansion cards.

Can I transfer files from the IE-33 to my PC? Then what?
Since the IE-33 is based on a Pocket PC® platform, you can ActiveSync your files from the IE-33 right to your hard drive, using the supplied synchronization cradle and cables. It's very easy to do with no other special software. The IE-33 data files are ASCII characters (mainly numbers) which can then be manipulated in numerous spread sheet and other programs.

The IE-33 comes with a basic yet powerful software, "Ivie XLS." It is a template for Microsoft Excel and allows you manipulate data for printing in an Excel spread sheet. You can display one or several data sets (curves), present them in multi-color bar graph or line graph format, average them, subtract one from another (differencing), select a "reference curve" and move the other curves up and down for curve fitting, and even show NC contours and do NIC.

Software updates?
Of course! Ivie will issue no-cost software updates and upgrades from time to time. These updates will add some additional functionality, fix the inevitable bug or two, and enhance some of the existing features. Check the download area on Ivie’s web site (www.ivie.com) for the latest version.

In the future Ivie will also make available for purchase some additional software Function Modules which will focus on areas such as time-based measurements (RT-60), noise control, statistical functions, home theater, intelligibility, etc. While several function modules are anticipated, only RT-60 has been announced with an anticipated introduction date: December 2005.

Can I run the IE-33 software without the jacket?
Yes, with limitations. Without the jacket, all recall functions are available. The iPAQ without jacket will allow you to open the IE-33 software, but only "viewing functions" are available. These would include being able to review data that you have already taken, load data from memory into the IE-33, transfer data from the iPAQ to your PC, etc. Any functions that require collection of data with the microphone or line inputs will not be available.

How long will the batteries last?
Of course, all this depends on how "continuous" the use, and how bright the screen. Using the internal lithium polymer batteries, with continuous operation, with the brightest screen, the IE-33 has a life of about one and one half hours.

You can add the accessory EP-1840 (1840 mAh iPAQ external battery), which clips on the IE-33 jacket, and extend continuous bright-screen life to about three and one half hours.

Of course, battery life varies with individual use patterns.

NOTE: You may wish to read the document on Ivie’s web site having to do with battery charging, battery life, and software recovery. Battery PDF (14 KB)

Will the included iPAQ accept standard HP/iPAQ accessories?
Absolutely! One of the reasons Ivie decided on the iPAQ product was their long-term record of compatibility with accessories. Any standard iPAQ accessory or third party Pocket PC® software will work with the iPAQ included with the IE-33.

Can I use a different mic of my choice?
Yes. The IE-33 jacket has a standard lo-Z balanced input. A Switchcraft "Tiny QG" TA4F connector is required to mate with the IE-33 jacket. These can be purchased from Ivie.

Will the IE-33 "Phantom Power" a microphone?
No. The IE-33 jacket does not provide "Phantom Power" for microphones. One of the four pins in the QG connector provides 9 or 12 VDC power, but is not in the Phantom Power format. The 9 or 12 volt power is designed for the included IE-33M microphone, or the Ivie IE-2P power supply for the Ivie Type I measurement microphone capsules.

What is the format of the files that I save and transfer to my PC?
The files that are saved on the IE-33 and transferred to the PC are in ASCII character, tab delimited format. Essentially, the IE-33 files consist of a column of frequency identifiers that is 2048 lines long, with a corresponding column of SPL or amplitude numbers. Ivie spectrum data files have an “.ivi” extension, and Strip Chart files have a “.cha” file extension.

Where can I get more information about the IE-33?
Take a look at our documentation page, email us at ie-33@ivie.com or call 801-766-7600.

What is the current IE-33 software version?
Check out our downloads page and view the Version Update Log for the latest version and latest features, enhancements, etc.