JOYUSING Epicus-DC Model V500 Document Camera, Part 1

Product Review Part 1
by WA4JCK December 17, 2024

Figure 1: Box and Device

If you have been to a recent hamfest, you may have seen this device connected to a monitor showing a close-up of a PCB (Printed Circuit Board).  I purchased one at the Shelby Hamfest in 2024.  The device is surplus and has no warranty.  This article (Part 01) covers the basic connections and features of the device as well as some commentary of my impressions of using the device.  Later article(s) will go more in depth of using the device.

I purchased the device with the idea that I would use it as a visual aid to read printed material such as books, snail mail, package labels, etc.  I have visual issues that require contrast and large fonts in order to read.  My intention all along was to connect it to a separate monitor and use it as a stand-alone reading assistant.  I purchased a portable table and a 32” monitor to use with the device.  I have not connected it to a computer because A) I do not intend to use it with a computer and B) I do not have the room on my computer desk anyway.

The contents of the box include the following items:

• The device itself
• Power Supply
• A USB Cable
• An HDMI Cable
• A VGA Cable
• Remote Control
• CD
• Manual

Figure 2: Remote, VGA Cable, & USB Cable

The device has two major parts, the base and the arm.  The base contains the external connections, basic controls, and a swivel/flip mount for the arm.  The arm has three sections, the lower arm (11”), middle arm (6”), and the head (3.5”).

The cables are a good length and heavy duty.  They should last and last.

The remote control takes one AA battery.  I have not used it because A) Everything is within easy reach with my setup and B) I cannot read the labels on it anyway.

The CD contains software for Windows, Mac, and Chrome.  It installed on my computer quickly.  I thought it was a comprehensive instruction manual.  However, when I tried to open the program that was installed, it required that the device be connected.  Not my preferred configuration so I uninstalled the program.  It may provide usefulness in the future.

It comes with something identified as a manual.  But it is just a sheet of paper printed on both sides.  If Apple Translate is correct, it basically says, “If you figure the device out in English, you let us know.”

Base Connections descriptions from L-R.

Figure 3: Base Connections

SD Card slot – I purchased a 64 GB SanDisk ImageMate microSDXC UHS-I Card with Adapter that works well.   I had to format it in the device (takes about two minutes) before I could store images on it, but the card is readable on my PC afterward.

• HDMI Output – Connected to my 32” monitor.
• VGA in – I have not used.
• VGA Out – I have not used.
• USB – I connected a wireless USB mouse that works really well with the device and adds some capability beyond what the controls on the base have.
• Connection for the Power Supply.

Thumbnail 1: SD Card

The Arm and mount have the following features:

The Lower Arm mount rotates 180° in the base, 90° to the left and 90° to the right.

The Lower Arm flips 135°, from 0° to the front back to 135° with seven locking steps.  When extended fully and in the 0° position, the base does not have enough weight to hold the device in the proper position.  It will tilt forward.  This is not an issue because the head needs to be above what you are trying to display.

The Middle Arm flips about 270° in relation to the Lower Arm.  It contains a light with three switch selectable intensity levels.

The Head flips about 120° in relation to the Middle Arm and swivels 90° CCW and 90° CW.  The Head contains the camera, a switch selectable light (on/off) and a microphone.

There are many features and capabilities with this device that you cannot see just by looking at a PCB on a monitor.  You really have to dig in and have a look.  My overall experience so far has been positive.  Although there are a couple of things that could be better, I have used it for the reason I purchased it and it works better than a more expensive electronic magnifier that I have and paid much more for.  However, the other more expensive magnifier is battery operated and portable.

In Part 02 I will start detailing the software.

73, Dale Jones, WA4JCK

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