Handy Tech Basic Braille, Basic Braille Bluetooth User Manual

U s e r M a n u a l

Basic Braille

and

Basic Braille Bluetooth

Version 3.3

Horb, June 2016

© Handy Tech Elektronik GmbH

All Rights Reserved

Handy Tech Elektronik GmbH; Brunnenstraße 10; 72 160 Horb; Germany

Phone: [phone]; Fax: [phone]

E-Mail: [e-mail]; Internet: www.handytech.de

Basic Braille

General

Handy Tech

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Seite 1

Table of Contents

1 GENERAL ........................................................................................................... 2

1.1 Preface......................................................................................................... 2

1.2 Basic Braille at a Glance ............................................................................ 2

2 INSTALLATION .................................................................................................. 4

2.1 Package Contents ...................................................................................... 4

2.2 Software Installation .................................................................................. 4

2.3 Installation of the Bluetooth Tie-In ............................................................ 5

2.3.1 Bluetooth-PC Tie-In ........................................................................... 5

2.3.2 Bluetooth Apple iOS Device Tie-In .................................................... 6

2.3.3 Bluetooth-Android Device Tie-In ........................................................ 6

2.4 Connecting the USB Cable ........................................................................ 6

2.5 Using USB and Bluetooth at the same time ............................................. 7

2.6 Technical Specifications ............................................................................ 8

3 START-UP .......................................................................................................... 9

3.1 Turning the Power On ................................................................................ 9

3.2 Energy Saving Features ............................................................................. 9

3.3 Operation as a Braille Display ................................................................... 9

3.4 Configuration Mode .................................................................................. 10

4 SETTINGS FOR HANDY TECH BRAILLE DISPLAYS .................................... 13

4.1 Connection ................................................................................................ 13

4.2 ATC ............................................................................................................ 14

4.3 Status Cells ............................................................................................... 14

4.4 Key Actions ............................................................................................... 14

4.4.1 Key Lock .......................................................................................... 15

4.4.2 Fast Keys ......................................................................................... 15

4.4.3 Repeat Keys .................................................................................... 15

4.5 Miscellaneous ........................................................................................... 16

4.6 Info ................................................................ ............................................. 16

5 SCREEN READER OPERATIONS ................................................................... 17

6 IMPORTANT INFORMATION ........................................................................... 19

6.1 Symbols on the Device ............................................................................ 19

6.2 Safety Notes in Accordance with the Standards for Medical Devices . 19

6.3 General Safety Information ...................................................................... 19

6.4 Handling the Basic Braille ....................................................................... 20

6.5 Warranty .................................................................................................... 21

6.6 Technical Support .................................................................................... 21

7 COPYRIGHT NOTICE ....................................................................................... 22

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Basic Braille

General

Seite 2

1 General

1.1 Preface

Thank you for choosing the Basic Braille. Please take the time to review this user manual.
We have tried to make using the Basic Braille as easy and as intuitive as possible, but this
manual will help you utilize your Basic Braille's features even better.

The Basic Braille is available in different sizes in order to serve a variety of customer
needs. The handling of the different models is identical therefore you find all necessary
information about your device in this manual.

It is very important that you read the safety information regarding the appropriate handling
of the Basic Braille before starting it up for the first time. You will find this information in
chapter 6 of this manual.

In order to use the Basic Braille as a Braille display under Windows, an output program
called a screen reader is needed which is also available from Handy Tech.
The Basic Braille has been developed and tested with great care. However, if you have
any ideas or suggestions for improvements, please do not hesitate to contact your Handy
Tech customer service representative. Your opinion is very important to us.

We hope you will enjoy using your Basic Braille.

1.2 Basic Braille at a Glance

This section will help familiarize you with the Basic Braille and its control elements. We
recommend keeping the device handy, so that you can follow along with the instructions in
this section.

Please place the Basic Braille in front of you, facing the Braille cells on the top edge. The
hand resting surface is facing in your direction. Above the Braille cells you find for each
Braille element an integrated cursor routing key, which is designated as [CR]-key. With this
cursor routing keys you can place the cursor directly at the text position of that Braille
module.

Left and right beside the Braille display there are three buttons each. The three buttons on
the left hand side are described from top to button as [1], [2] and [3]. On the right hand
side this three buttons are correspondingly described as [4], [5] and [6].

If your Basic Braille is not equipped with wireless Bluetooth, it is powered by the USB
interface. The device turns on automatically when the USB interface is connected to a PC
which is switched on. If you want to switch off the Basic Braille while connected to a PC,
press [4] for 5 seconds to turn it off. A short press of [4] will turn on the device again.. We
recommend turning the Basic Braille off while it is not in use because this will increase the
lifetime of the Braille cells.

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On the right hand side of the Basic Braille you find the micro USB connector for connecting
the USB cable.

The Basic Braille with Bluetooth contains an inbuilt Lithium Battery, which is not user
exchangeable. It will be charged via USB interface. If your Basic Braille is not reacting on
any keys, you can reset it by pressing the little reset button on the bottom of the device.
Use a sharp object, like a paper clip to sting carefully in the small hole in the right part of
the device underside.

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2 Installation

2.1 Package Contents

Please verify that your package contains all of the parts listed below. If one of the
components is missing or damaged, please contact us in order to request the missing part
or a replacement.

You should find enclosed the following:

 Basic Braille
 2 USB interface cables (1 x short, 1 x long)
 Dust cover
 This user manual, printed version
 Quick Reference for the Basic Braille in Braille
 StartStick with screen reader drivers

(Window-Eyes, JAWS, Hal/SuperNova)

2.2 Software Installation

Before you connect the Basic Braille to your computer, you should install the software
delivered with the device.
To install the required software, plug the included USB memory stick with the inscription
StartStick into a free USB port on your PC. The StartStick with the HTStart program is a
USB stick that contains all the relevant drivers and documents that you need to operate
your Handy Tech Braille display. In addition, it contains the free NVDA screen reader, so
that you can operate the PC immediately, even if no screen reader (Window-Eyes, JAWS
or Supernova) is installed.

After plugging the StartStick into your PC, run the start.exe program from the root
directory. If a screen reader is already installed, it is available for use. Otherwise, the
supplied screen reader NVDA provides access via speech output and Braille support.

HTStart recognizes which Handy Tech display is connected to your PC and automatically
makes the pre-selection for the installation of all the necessary drivers and software
components. Depending on the security settings of your operating system, you may be
prompted to allow the execution of the program HTStart. To enable HTStart to determine
and display the installed screen reader, your consent is required. Please allow the
execution of HTStart because otherwise the use of the program is not possible.

Once you have selected a screen reader, the HTStart window appears in which all
supported Handy Tech products are listed. The national language is pre-selected based
on your Windows settings. However, in the selection list, you can select another language.
In the product list you find the manuals in the selected language. If the manual in the
selected language is not available, the English manual appears instead.

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You can choose the following components of the software, to be installed:

 JAWS driver: latest Braille display driver for JAWS for Windows
 Window-Eyes driver: latest Braille display driver for Window-Eyes
 HAL/Supernova driver: latest Braille display driver for HAL/Supernova
 User manual: this user manual.

We recommend that you use the default setting for the installation. All required software
components will be installed. After completion of the installation program you will find a
group named "Handy Tech" in programs in the start menu. Here you find the following
subfolders:

 BrailleDriver: here you find the key settings of your Basic Braille for your screen

reader and the configuration program for the Braille display driver.

 Basic Braille: Here you find this user manual and the uninstall program.

After installing successfully you can hook on your Basic Braille on to your computer.

2.3 Installation of the Bluetooth Tie-In

If your Basic Braille features a Bluetooth transmission module, you can also establish a
wireless connection between the Basic Braille and a computer or a cell phone, if they are
equipped with wireless Bluetooth technology. You need to make sure that the wireless
Bluetooth interface on your Basic Braille is active, by enabling the option “Bluetooth on” in
the configuration menu like described in chapter 3.4 Configuration Mode. The wireless
transmission radius is approximately 10 meters (10 yards or 33 feet).

Bluetooth-PC Tie-In

1. Please make sure, that the Basic Braille is switched on and the Bluetooth function
in the configuration mode is enabled.

2. Select "Bluetooth Devices" from the control panel or from your system tray and
press the context menu key.

3. Select the “new device/connection” item

4. "Add Bluetooth Device Wizard" will appear.

5. All detected Bluetooth devices will be listed. Select the Basic Braille from the list
and press "Next".

6. Normally the PC will create a pairing code which you accept by pressing “Next”.

7. Now the pairing will be done and the needed drivers will be installed. Please wait a
moment. Please confirm by pressing "Finish".

Your Basic Braille now has a wireless connection to the PC, and you can utilize all of its
functions, as if it were connected via the USB cable.

Note: If you move the Basic Braille beyond the Bluetooth connection's communications
radius (10 meters/yards), the connection to the PC will be interrupted. The connection will
automatically be re-established by Handy Tech's Braille device driver once you move back
within range. For this you need to have installed the latest Braille display driver (see
chapter 2.2 Software Installation).

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Bluetooth Apple iOS Device Tie-In

Mobile Apple devices, such as the iPhone or iPad, include a screen reader by default,
which enables blind people to operate the devices by speech and Braille output. In order to
connect the Basic Braille via Bluetooth with an Apple device, you have to activate
VoiceOver first. Please follow these steps:

1. Please make sure that the Basic Braille is turned on and the Bluetooth option in
Config mode is turned on.

2. Open “Settings” on the home screen of your iOS device.

3. Choose „Accessibility from the „General“ page.

4. Turn VoiceOver on.

5. Choose “Braille” on the Accessibility page.

6. If Bluetooth is off, the iOS device will remind you and you should turn it on now.

7. The iOS device is now searching for Bluetooth Braille displays. Please choose the
Basic Braille from the list.

8. The Bluetooth connection will be established and you can read the text from the iOS
device on the Braille display.

Note: if the connection was interrupted because you have turned off or put to sleep mode
the Basic Braille and/or the Apple device, please turn on/wake up the Basic Braille first.

Bluetooth-Android Device Tie-In

Android devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy Sx, include the screen reader TalkBack by
default, which enables blind people to operate the devices by speech. This is pre-installed
on most Android devices and can be activated under Settings>Accessibility. For Braille
support an additional App, called BrailleBack, is needed which you can download and
install via Play Store. In order to connect the Basic Braille via Bluetooth with an Android
device, please follow these steps:

1. Please make sure that the Basic Braille is turned on and the Bluetooth option in
Config mode is turned on.

2. Activate Bluetooth on the Android device and search for new devices.

3. After some seconds, the Basic Braille will be found and listed in the device list.

4. Start the pairing process by double click on the Basic Braille.

5. If the paring was successful, you’ll hear the message “device connected”.

6. Open BrailleBack on the Android device. You can find it under
Settings>Accessibility.

7. The Bluetooth connection will be established and you can read the text from the
Android device on the Braille display.

Note: if the connection was interrupted because you have turned off or put to sleep mode
the Basic Braille and/or the Android device, please turn on/wake up the Basic Braille first.

2.4 Connecting the USB Cable

To connect your Basic Braille to a PC or laptop computer via USB interface, you will need
one of the two USB cables that came with your Basic Braille. The USB cable has a small
micro USB plug on one end. The other end features a bigger flat plug. If you want to use a
different USB cable, please make sure that it is not longer than 3 meters (118 inch).

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Please connect the micro USB plug to the micro USB port on the right side of your Basic
Braille. The flat plug is then plugged into the PC's USB port.

If the Basic Braille is to be used as a medical device, the PC must conform to all Medical
Device Standards, or else it must have a ground connection or be connected to an
isolating transformer. Even if you are not using the Basic Braille as a medical device, we
recommend connecting it only to a grounded PC. Otherwise you might feel the voltage on
the housing, which is harmless and permitted for non-medical devices but unpleasant.

When the PC is turned on, the Basic Braille will automatically be recognized by USB­enabled operating systems. If recognized by the PC, the USB connection becomes
primary. If the Bluetooth interface is active, it might be the primary channel. In this case
please press dot [2] and [5] together for approx. one second, to switch to the USB channel.

The power for the Basic Braille is supplied via the USB interface. The Basic Braille without
Bluetooth interface will turn on automatically as soon as the USB cable is connected and
the PC is turned on.
You can turn on the Basic Braille by a short press on [4] and turn it off by pressing [4] for 5
seconds. The Basic Braille with Bluetooth can be switched off by pressing [4] for 2
seconds, if no connection to any device is established.

Note: If using the Basic Braille with Windows 8, 8.1 or 10, a screen reader must be active.
If there is no screen reader running, Windows will disconnect the Basic Braille when
pressing any Braille key. In order to use the Basic Braille again, you must switch it off and
on.

2.5 Using USB and Bluetooth at the same time

From firmware version 3, you can use an USB and Bluetooth connection at the same time.
If you have connected the Basic Braille for example via USB to your PC or laptop, you can
hook on parallel a smart phone or a second PC via Bluetooth.
To switch between these two connections, press dot [2] and [5] together for 1 second.

Please note, that the Bluetooth setting in Config Mode must be “ON” or “AUTO”.

If you choose “AUTO”, the Bluetooth channel will be active for 15 minutes after switching

on the Basic Braille. If no connection will be established in this time, the Bluetooth
interface will be deactivated in order to save battery live.

After switching the interface channel, the Basic Braille shows the following messages:

 Disconnected: no connection, switching not possible
 Bluetooth only / USB Only: only one connection, switching not possible
 USB Bluetooth: the USB connection becomes primary
 Bluetooth USB: the Bluetooth connection becomes primary

Note: While switching between USB and Bluetooth it might happen, that the screen reader
is sending data to the Basic Braille and you cannot see this message because it appears
very shortly.

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2.6 Technical Specifications

 1 micro USB B Port
 6 keys, 3 right and 3 left of the Braille display
 Supply voltage: 5 V, 200 mA

With wireless Bluetooth Technology:

 Lithium Polymer Akku Typ LP 503759
 Battery charging time: 3 to 4 hours
 Battery duration: approx. 15 to 25 hours, depending on the number of modules
 Power consumption while charging: 500 mA

Dimensions and weights:

 Height: 0.75 inch (1.9 cm)
 Depth: 3.6 inch (9.1 cm)

Number of
Modules

Width

Weight without
Bluetooth

Weight with
Bluetooth

16

7.6 inch (19.3 cm)

0.73 lb (330 g)

0.79 lb (360 g)

20

8.6 inch (21.8 cm)

0.86 lb (390 g)

0.93 lb (420 g)

32

11.6 inch (29.5 cm)

1.26 lb (570 g)

1.32 lb (600 g)

40

13.6 inch (34.7 cm)

1.48 lb (670 g)

1.54 lb (700 g)

48

15.6 inch (39.8 cm)

1.70 lb (770 g)

1:76 lb (800 g)

64

19.7 inch (50.1 cm)

2.27 lb (1030 g)

2.34 lb (1060 g)

80

23.8 inch (60.4 cm)

2.73 lb (1240 g)

2.80 lb (1270 g)

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Start-Up

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3 Start-Up

3.1 Turning the Power On

Please make sure that the Basic Braille is connected to your PC with a USB interface
cable, and the PC is on. If necessary, turn on the Basic Braille by pressing [4] shortly.. The
Braille display shows the following welcome message:

’Handy Tech Basic Braille Ver. x.xx ’

If you are using the Basic Braille with Bluetooth, the welcome message also includes also
the status of the Bluetooth interface which was set in Config mode:

’Handy Tech Basic Braille V x.xx BT ON’ or
’Handy Tech Basic Braille V x.xx BT OFF’ or
’Handy Tech Basic Braille V x.xx BT AUTO’

If the option „Battery charge disable“ in Config mode is enabled, you will see this
message approx. 2 seconds before the welcome message (Basic Braille with Bluetooth
only).

"x.xx" is the version number of your Basic Braille's firmware (for example 3.3).
Please notice that there is a number sign in front of the version number.

As soon as the screen reader sends information to the Basic Braille, the welcome
message disappears, and the new data will be displayed.

3.2 Energy Saving Features

If no key is pressed or the display does not change on the Basic Braille for 30 minutes, the
device will switch into sleep mode. In sleep mode, the Braille modules are turned off and
some of the electronic modules are also deactivated. As soon as any key is pressed or
receiving any information from the screen reader, the Basic Braille is immediately fully
operational again. You will recognize this because the tactile pins of the Braille modules
will be pushed back up.

After 8 hours in sleep mode the Basic Braille turns itself completely off. You can turn it on
again by a short press on [4] . Read chapter 3.4 Configuration Mode to learn how to switch
off the energy saving feature.

3.3 Operation as a Braille Display

In order to operate the Basic Braille as a Braille display under any Windows operating
system, you need a screen reader program to control the display, which is not included
with the Basic Braille.

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Please make sure that your Basic Braille is properly connected and switched on before
starting up the screen reader program, because otherwise the screen reader will not be
able to detect it. As a rule, the screen reader will display the currently selected position
within the active window on the Braille display. For example, if you are moving through a
menu, the selected menu item is displayed. In word processing programs such as
Microsoft Word, you can also position the cursor with the [CR] keys. In addition, the [CR]
keys also allow you to activate menu items or functions directly (e.g., when you are
prompted for a yes or no answer with 'y/n', pressing the [CR] key above the "y" has the
same effect as entering [y]).

The screen reader program converts the text and graphic contents of the Windows screen
into speech and Braille. Generally, the computer's built-in sound card is employed for the
speech output function. The display of Braille is achieved with the help of your Braille
display, after the screen display information has been forwarded from the screen reader to
the Braille display. All standard screen readers are compatible with Handy Tech's Braille
System series. During the installation of the screen reader software, all you need to do is
to select Handy Tech. The Braille output will then automatically adjust correctly to your
Basic Braille.

If you start your screen reader, a small window appears when the program is started up for
the first time and displays the name of the Braille display detected by the program (in this
case Basic Braille), the interface used for communication currently selected. The various
screen reader program functions are assigned to specific keys on your Basic Braille.

Section 5 Screen reader Operations provides basic information on the use of the screen
readers Window-Eyes, JAWS for Windows and Hal/Supernova.

3.4 Configuration Mode

Configuration mode can be activated by holding down all six keys [1 – 6] for longer than 5
seconds. When the unit switches into Configuration Mode the message 'Config Mode'
appears on the Braille display.

Note:
Please note that any settings you make here have a significant effect on the operation of
the Basic Braille. Make sure that you are completely certain what these effects will be
before you make any changes. All settings remain stored even if the Basic Braille is
switched off.
The keys on the Basic Braille now have the following functions (non-functional keys are
not listed):
For not assigned keys you get the message ’no function’.

[1] Energy saving mode on/off
If energy saving mode is on, the Braille display is turned off after 30 minutes of

inactivity. The following messages will appear on the Braille display:
’Sleep mode ON’
’Sleep mode OFF’

[2] Battery status (only Basic Braille with Bluetooth)
’Battery EMPTY’

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’Battery LOW’
’Battery MEDIUM’
’Battery HIGH’
’Battery FULL’

If the Battery is actually charging, the message ends with ’charging’. If you read

the message ’Battery state not available’ you are supposed to charge the

Battery for approximately 4 hours until the Basic Braille shows ’Battery FULL’.
[3] Bluetooth settings (only Basic Braille with Bluetooth)

Here you can enable or disable the Bluetooth interface.
’Bluetooth OFF’: You can connect the Basic Braille only via USB cable to the

PC.
’Bluetooth ON’: You can also connect the Basic Braille via Bluetooth to the PC.
’Bluetooth AUTO’: The Basic Braille will look for a Bluetooth connection for 15

minutes. If no connection will be established, the Bluetooth interface turns off.

PC or mobile device cannot find the Basic Braille until you switch it on again.

The chosen setting (ON, OFF, AUTO) will be shown in the welcome message

after switching on the Basic Braille.
[4] Toggle Battery warning on/off (only Basic Braille with Bluetooth)

If the battery is low, the Basic Braille can remind you to charge it.
’Low battery warning ON’: If the battery life reaches a critical value, dots 7 and

8 are blinking every 15 seconds. The battery life will then last approx. 10 to 15

minutes more. Please charge the battery immediately.
’Low battery warning OFF’: The Basic Braille does not remind you to charge

the battery.
[5] Permit battery charging (only Basic Braille with Bluetooth)

’Battery charge disabled’: The battery will not be charged if the Basic Braille is

connected via USB to a PC. This setting is useful if you are on the road with a

laptop which has a lower battery life than the Basic Braille. It’s saving the

laptop’s power. But if the Basic Braille is turned off, it´s battery will be charged

anyway, even if you have chosen “Battery charge disabled”. If you want to save

the laptop’s power, we recommend disconnecting the Basic Braille. This

message will be shown before the welcome message, while turning the Basic

Braille on to remind you that the battery will not be charged. If the battery is low,

the Basic Braille takes only a little power (100 mA) from the laptop for operating

the Basic Braille and slowly charging the battery. Therefore you can always use

this setting for USB connection.
’Battery charge enabled’: The Basic Braille´s battery will be charged via USB.

We recommend this setting, if your PC is connected to a power outlet.
[6] Exit Configuration Mode

The new settings will be in force.
[CR1 together with the last CR] according to the length of the Braille display activates

mirror mode.
Mirror mode turns the Braille display upside down and also changes the key

settings accordingly. Now you can use the Basic Braille upside down with the

CR keys facing towards you.

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The Braille display shows the message:
’Mirror mode ON’
’Mirror mode OFF’

[CR3] Shows serial number of the Basic Braille.
[CR5] test mode
[CR7] changing control speed of the Braille pins (only Basic Braille 80)

’High USB power off’: The control speed of the pins is normal.

’High USB power on’: The control speed of the pins is fast. Therefore the Basic

Braille takes more power from the PC which may cause problems on some

Laptops.
Some cursor routing keys are assigned for in-house service functions.

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Settings for Handy Tech Braille Displays

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4 Settings for Handy Tech Braille Displays

The universal Handy Tech Braille display driver features several optional settings for
operating your Basic Braille with your PC and screen reader. In order to open the Settings
window, press [1] and [6] simultaneously. The Settings window can also be opened up
from the Start menu, under "Programs – Handy Tech – Configure Braille display driver".
The Braille display driver does not need to be running.

There are the following six tabs in the Settings window:

 Connection
 ATC
 Status Cells
 Key Actions
 Miscellaneous
 Info

Your changes in the settings of the different tab sheets will be saved by pressing the OK or
Apply Button. If you choose the OK Button, the dialog will be closed.
The following sections provide more details about the settings that are available on these
six tabs.

4.1 Connection

The check box "Activate Driver" is checked to enable your Braille display to be driven by
the screen reader. If you uncheck this box, the driver will be deactivated, and you will not
be able to drive any Handy Tech Braille display.

The field "Device Detection" provides two options: "Automatic" means that your screen
reader will detect the Braille display regardless of the interface through which it is
connected to your PC. The second option is to specify a fixed interface at which the screen
reader should look for the Braille display. In the corresponding combo box you can choose
one of the existing COM interfaces. The type of the interface (e.g. USB) will also be
shown.

The field "Show Pop-Up Braille Display Information" allows you to specify whether you
want to be informed which Braille display system is connected to which of your PC's
interfaces at the start-up of the screen reader. If this setting is activated, there will be a
small pop-up box during start-up containing the Braille display driver's version number, the
detected Braille display and the interface designation.
Here, you have the following three options:

 When changing device or interface: The pop-up box appears only if you have

connected a different Handy Tech Braille display to the PC, or if you have
connected the same Braille display to a different interface on your PC.

 Never: The pop-up box will not be displayed during start-up.
 Always at start: Every time your screen reader starts up, the pop-up box will be

displayed.

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Settings for Handy Tech Braille Displays

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If the check box "Connect Braille display even when switched on after start up" is checked,
the Braille display may be connected to the computer while the screen reader is already
running, and the Braille display will be recognized. By default, this check box is
unchecked.
Checking the check box "Reconnect Braille display automatically when disconnect"
instructs the screen reader to search for the Braille display in brief intervals if there has
been a disconnection. For example, if you turned off the Braille display in order to install
the power cable, the screen reader will continuously search for a Braille display until you
turn the power back on. By checking the check box "Notify when searching for connection"
you can cause the screen reader to inform you of this process. If you do this, you will
receive the message "Searching Basic Braille" at short intervals.

4.2 ATC

The Handy Tech ATC technology, which is available only for the Active Star, Active Braille
and Modular Evolution, detects your reading position on the Braille display, thus providing
you with innovative features in the operation and control of the PC. This tab is shown only
if your screen reader supports the ATC functions through the Handy Tech Braille display
driver.

4.3 Status Cells

The so-called status modules on your Braille display are used to indicate where your
current position is on the screen, such as within a menu or within a text field. Exactly which
information is shown on the status modules depends on the screen reader. On the "Status
Cells" tab, you can specify some of the options for these status modules.

The field "Device" allows you to specify which Handy Tech Braille system or Braille display
you are using. By default, the actually connected device is recognized and becomes the
default setting here. However, this setting provides you with the option of configuring other
Handy Tech Braille displays, even though they are not currently connected to the
computer.

In the next field, you can specify the size of the status display section. As a default, four
Braille elements are used as status modules. There is automatically one blank position
inserted between the status modules and the remaining positions on the Braille line. The
blank element has no function.

The field "Position of status cells" allows you to specify whether the status modules should
be displayed on the left or right side of the Braille line. By default, they are displayed on
the left.

The check box "Display status cells" lets you enable and disable the status display. The
status information is not displayed by default.

4.4 Key Actions

This tab sheet allows you to adjust the behavior of the single keys strokes of your Basic
Braille in the following three different ways:

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Settings for Handy Tech Braille Displays

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 Key Lock: Keys, defined as locked, will be ignored when pressed.
 Fast Keys: Keys, defined as fast keys, performs their action already when pressed

and not – as usual – when released.

 Repeat Keys: Keyes, defined as repeat keys, will repeat their action continually

while be pressed.

Key Lock

Single keys of the Basic Braille can be locked to prevent unintentional functions by
pressing a key by mistake. This is helpful when starting to learn how to use the Basic
Braille.
With the checkbox "Use Key Lock", you can activate this function. The button "Locked

Keys…" will open the dialog "Define locked keys for device". In the list box "Device" the

connected Braille display is already preselected. In the list box "Available keys" you
choose the keys to be locked. With the "Add" button you move the selected key into the list
box "Locked keys". The "Remove" button removes the key back to the available keys. By
default, no keys are locked.

Fast Keys

Fast keys are keys which initiate their assigned functions as soon as the key is pressed,
instead of when the key is released. If one of the keys to be used in a key combination is a
fast key, the fast key must therefore be pressed last.

The check box "Use Fast Keys" is used for enabling this function. The button "Fast

Keys…" will open the dialog "Define Fast Keys for device". In the list box "Device" the

connected Braille display is already preselected. In this dialog you can then select the keys
you want to define as fast keys from the list box "Available keys" and move them by
pressing the "Add" button into the list box "Fast Keys".
By default, no keys are defined as fast keys. There are no fast keys available for Braille
input.

Repeat Keys

With the settings under "Repeat Keys" you can specify the repeat interval at which a
function initiated by a key is repeated when that key is held down. This feature makes it
easier, for example, to navigate through a list, because you do not need to keep pressing
the forward or backward key for each item in the list, but can simply hold down the key
until the cursor is at the desired item.

The check box "Use Repeat Keys" is used for enabling this function. The button "Repeat
Keys…" will open the dialog "Settings for repeat keys". In the list box "Device" the
connected Braille display is already preselected. In this dialog you can then select the keys
you want to define as repeat keys from the list box "Available keys" and move them by
pressing the "Add" button into the list box "Repeat Keys".

The default setting is that key repeats are disabled. There is no key repeat available for
Braille input.

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Basic Braille

Settings for Handy Tech Braille Displays

Seite 16

4.5 Miscellaneous

On the tab "Miscellaneous", you can specify whether your actions should be recorded in a
log file. This function is useful if you need technical support. Please check this box only
when asked to do so by your customer service representative.
In the field "Protocol file", you can specify where this log file should be saved.

The check box "Quick Entry in PC mode by Dot 7 as Back Space and Dot 8 as Enter" is
not available for the Basic Braille since it has only 6 keys. On other Handy Tech Braille
displays key [7] is used for backspace during Braille input, and key [8] for Enter when
“quick entry” is activated.

4.6 Info

In the "Info" tab sheet you find important information about your Basic Braille and the
driver software, you are using.
In the field "Active Braille display" you find the type of Braille display, you are using, as well
as the interface it is connected to and the serial number of your Braille display. In addition
you find a reference when the next recommended maintenance of your Braille display is
due.
In the field "Driver properties" the type of screen reader, you are using is listed, as well as
the version of your driver.
At "Your dealer" you get the contact details of your Handy Tech dealer with postal
address, telephone number and E-mail.

Basic Braille

Screen reader Operations

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5 Screen reader Operations

All screen reader programs are used to output the information contained on a computer
screen and to convert it into speech and Braille in a format that can be used by blind
persons. The Basic Braille serves to display the Braille data. Since only a small portion of
the current screen contents can be displayed at any time on the Braille display, it is
necessary for the screen reader to transmit only the information that is relevant in any
given situation to the Braille display.

All screen readers on the market today provide "focused" Windows information after they
start up, for example, if any menu item is highlighted under the Windows Start menu, this
will be displayed on the Braille display by default. If you move the Windows focus up and
down by using the arrow keys, these changes will automatically be shown on the Braille
display.

In any editable text input field, the cursor is usually represented as a character of blinking
Dots 7 and 8. If the cursor leaves the portion of the screen that is shown on the Braille
display while you are entering text, the section shown on the Braille display will
automatically move forward. You can move around within the text regardless of the cursor
position by using the reading keys, with [3] or [6] for forward, and [1] or [4] for backward.
By activating any Cursor Routing key, you can move the cursor directly to the desired
position. If you want to return to where the cursor is after navigating for a while, you can
usually accomplish this simply by pressing [2], or by moving the cursor with the arrow
keys. Any marked text, which is shown inverted on a computer screen, is underlined with
dots 7 and 8 on the Braille display.

Generally, it is possible for the speech output information to differ from the information
shown on a Braille display. In the "Save" dialogue of Microsoft Word when quitting the
program, for example, the speech output will read the text "Do you want to save the

changes made to…?" followed by the button texts "Save," "Don't Save," and "Cancel."

Only the buttons, however, will be shown on the Braille display. You can select the desired
button by activating the cursor routing key above the button text. You can also review the
text in the dialog box by pressing the [1], [3], [4] and [6] keys.

The Basic Braille is supported by various screen reader programs, such as:

 Window-Eyes
 JAWS
 Hal/SuperNova (Dolphin Systems)
 NVDA
 VoiceOver
 BrailleBack
 Blinux (SuSE LINUX)

The current driver for the screen reader programs Window-Eyes, JAWS and HAL is
included on the StartStick that came with your Basic Braille.

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Basic Braille

Screen reader Operations

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The following table lists all functions associated with the Basic Braille's control keys. We
have not included an exhaustive description of each of the functions, because these are
contained in the screen reader´s manual.

Key Basic Braille

Function

1 or 4

Move the Braille display to the left.

3 or 6

Move the Braille display to the right.

2

Go to focus

5

Window-Eyes: drag mouse to focus
JAWS: JAWS- or PC Cursor
NVDA: mouse to object

1 + 2 or 4 + 5

Line up (column wise)

2 + 3 or 5 + 6

Line down (column wise)

1 + 3

Beginning of line

4 + 6

End of line

1 + 4

Page up

3 + 6

Page down

1 + 6

Handy Tech configuration dialog

1 + 2 + 3

Top of file

4 + 5 + 6

End of file

1 + 3 + 5

Braille cursor tracking on/off, default: on

2 + 4 + 5 + 6

Toggle between Window-Eyes cursor and mouse cursor

2 + 3 + 4 + 5

Top of window

1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6

Config mode Basic Braille (internal)

Any key

Wake up from sleep mode (falls to sleep after 30 minutes)

Basic Braille

Important Information

Handy Tech

Elektronik GmbH

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6 Important Information

This section contains important safety and warranty information. Please make sure you
have read this information before starting up your Basic Braille.

6.1 Symbols on the Device

The symbols on the bottom of the Basic Braille have the following meanings:

Read the user manual

Type B application part

6.2 Safety Notes in Accordance with the Standards for Medical

Devices

Medical electrical devices are subject to special safety precautions with respect to EMC
(Electromagnetic Compatibility) and safety devices and must be installed and put into
service as described in this user manual.

Portable mobile RF communication equipment may interfere with medical electrical
devices.

6.3 General Safety Information

Avoid contact between your Basic Braille and any liquids (rain, coffee...). If liquids enter
into the housing, you may be exposed to the danger of hazardous electric shock. In
addition, the Braille elements may sustain damage, which can only be remedied by costly
repairs.

During operation, do not expose your Basic Braille to excessively high temperatures or
high relative humidity. The ambient temperature should be between +10° C (= 50° F) and
+40° C (= 100° F) and the relative humidity should not exceed 80%.

The Basic Braille may not be used in moist rooms (such as bathrooms), since a voltage of
200 V is generated inside it.

The device contains no user-serviceable parts. In the event of a defect, please contact
your dealer or Handy Tech directly. Only an authorized Handy Tech dealer has permission
to service the device. Only representatives of Handy Tech Elektronik GmbH or its
authorized dealers have permission to open the Basic Braille. This includes the exchange

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Basic Braille

Important Information

Seite 20

of the battery of the Bluetooth device. An improperly replace of the battery can cause high
temperature, fire or risk of injury due bursting of the battery.

Avoid switching your Basic Braille on immediately after moving it from a cold room into a
warm environment. Under unfavorable conditions, condensation might damage the device.
Wait until the device has warmed to room temperature before turning it on.

Take care that the interface cable is laid such that it do not pose a hazard (danger of
tripping over them).

When plugging in or removing the data cable of the Braille display, take care not to touch
the pins of the plugs, since this could result in an electrostatic discharge which could
damage the interface of your computer. Before unplugging the cable from the device,
disconnect it from your PC.

Before cleaning the device, always unplug the external power supply unit from the mains
outlet and disconnect the USB cable.

If the Basic Braille was dropped, the housing has become damaged, or it is malfunctioning,
turn the unit off immediately. It needs to be serviced by authorized service personnel.

At the end of its useful life, the device must be disposed of in accordance with the
applicable guidelines for electronic equipment.

6.4 Handling the Basic Braille

The Basic Braille's Braille modules utilize very reliable and maintenance-free piezo
technology. If handled properly, you will enjoy many years of trouble-free operation.

Always operate the Basic Braille at normal room temperature and protect it from humidity.
Avoid exposing the Basic Braille to extreme changes in temperature.

Do not drop your Basic Braille, and avoid exposing it to strong vibrations.
It is better for your Basic Braille if you take care to operate it with clean hands, because

otherwise the tactile pins can become sticky and may release only if prodded.
Please ensure that no fluids enter into the Braille display. The Braille elements are

especially sensitive to humidity, because humidity could destroy the high-voltage piezo
elements.

We recommend covering the Basic Braille when it is not in use to prevent dust from
entering the housing.

Clean your Basic Braille with a damp cloth without any cleaners. The Braille elements may
be cleaned only with a dry, lint-free cloth.

The Braille elements should be cleaned and serviced thoroughly every two years in
average operating conditions. In general, during servicing of the Braille elements, all tactile
pins and key heads will be replaced and all input elements checked. An endurance test will

Basic Braille

Important Information

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Elektronik GmbH

Seite 21

then be performed. We can provide you with a replacement device during the maintenance
period. Maintenance may be carried out only by authorized dealers.

6.5 Warranty

If you open the Basic Braille housing, which is sealed, within the warranty period, the
warranty becomes void. The same applies to improper handling or use.

In the unlikely event that your Basic Braille does become defective, our repair service will
be available for repairs.

6.6 Technical Support

The Basic Braille is a highly complex product. Although it has been optimized to be as
easy to use and as self-explanatory as possible, errors in understanding or operation,
which may impede your use of the device, may occur. Please consult this user manual first
if you encounter difficulties.

If this does not solve your problem, please contact your dealer or customer service
representative. Alternatively, do not hesitate to contact Handy Tech directly:

Handy Tech Elektronik GmbH, Brunnenstraße 10, D-72160 Horb, Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]

Our service representatives will be happy to assist you.

Handy Tech

Elektronik GmbH

Basic Braille

Copyright Notice

Seite 22

7 Copyright Notice

All rights reserved, copyright Handy Tech Elektronik GmbH. No portion of this user manual
may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from Handy Tech
Elektronik GmbH.

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft, Inc.