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BRAILLE PRODUCTS

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Braille Notetaker / laptop

We talk about this as being a note-taker, but it is so much like a laptop as it’s the first Braille note-taker to offer such a range of uses in one product.

Software specification:

Word processor, file manager, address manager, schedule manager, e-mail, web browser, media player, Daisy player, MSN messenger, database manager, Utility: Scientific, calculator, wake-up call, Voice SENSE OS, help, wifi and Bluetooth.

Braille Sense Plus Specifications:

Size: width – 10 inches.  Depth – 6.1 inches.  Height 1.1inches (1.9 inches middle).

Weight: 1.2kg or 2.7 lbs.

Operating system: Windows CE.Net: Intel X-scale PXA270-540Mhz.  Flash memory: 8gb. RAM: 128mg. Battery: Lithium ion (detachable) with back up battery installed. Keyboard: Braille Perkins style input keyboard.  Braille Display: 32 Braille cells with cursor routing keys.  Video: internal lcd screen and external vga port.  Network: 100 Base-T Ethernet.  Interface: 1USB master plus 1mini a/b type port, 1CF and 1SD slot, serial port, parallel port, sound output: internal stereo speakers, stereo headphone jack.  Voice recording: internal microphone, external stereo microphone jack.  wifi and Bluetooth ready.

For more information please contact the team.

Voice SENSE

Voice SENSE is the smallest, lightest and most fashionable palmtop computer for the visually impaired with Perkins style keyboard for inputting information and voice out for information response. It has all the functions of the Braille Sense Plus without the fixed Braille display.

It weighs 0.15kg or 0.58lbs.

Performance and stability

Voice SENSE has540Mhz cpu and windows CE.Net operating system. It has 1gbof user data area for more convenient data storage and sufficient RAM for running all the programs.   

Mobile networking

Voice SENSE has wireless LAN that is compatible with IEEE 802.11b/g for internet access and e-mail.  It has an internal Bluetooth module for interfacing with most wireless peripherals, like wireless stereo headphones.

Usability

The user interface includes a menu structure which is almost the same concept as the Microsoft Windows user interface, which helps users to learn how to use it more easily.  Voice SENSE has a Perkins style keyboard, and you do not need any external device to input information or navigate menus.

Detachable and rechargeable

Voice SENSE has a detachable and rechargeable battery so you do not need to send your Voice SENSE to your re-seller in order to replace the battery.  Just slide the battery locker and pull out the battery for replacement. The long lasting battery will keep you working for more than 12hours continuously without charging. If you have an additional battery charged, you can work Voice SENSE for 24 continuously. 

Multimedia features

Voice SENSE has internal Daisy player, MP3 player and a voice recorder. You can enjoy music or listen to Daisy talking books with audio buttons that are on the front side of the unit.

Scalability

Voice SENSE has various interface ports: SD slot and CF slot (which can be used to extend data storage), mini USB and Bluetooth.

Synchbraille

The Synchbraille external Braille display (sold separately) can be connected to the Voice SENCE through the USB socket. By connecting this external Braille display more accurate input is available.  GPS receiver (sold separately) can be connected to Voice SENSE through Bluetooth.

Hardware Specification: CPU – PXA270, OS – Windows CE.NET, flash memory – 1gb (user area), RAM – 128mb, battery – rechargeable and detachable lithium polymer battery, Keyboard  - Perkins style Braille keyboard.

Braille Display: External Braille display (sold separately), 32 cells or 20 cells. 

Size:  W x D x H – 19 x 3 x 2.7cm – 7.4 x 3 x 1inch.

Accessories included: carrying case, AC adapter, Braille manual, USB cable for external devices, USB cable for connecting to personal computer, battery and stereo headphones.

Handy Tech Braille Displays

Handy Tech Braille Displays are ergonomically designed with their Braille elements concavely shape, following the natural form of the fingertips, these unique Handy Tech Braille cells allow you to read Braille in a relaxed hand position and have a cursor router button for each cell. The navigation keys for scrolling through text can be easily pressed by the thumb of the reading hand while reading, these design elements are carried through all of the Handy Tech range of products as follows.

Easy file transfer

HTCom, the Handy Tech communication makes it easy to transfer files like your own notes from the Handy Tech Braille Display to the PC.  After editing a text at your PC, you can HTCom to transfer files onto the Handy Tech Braille device.  HTCom extracts the pure text information in order to save memory capacity so that the files can be directly transferred from the Windows Explorer or from Word into many of the Handy Tech products or use the “send to” function of the Explorer to transfer files into the Braille device.

HTCom also allows you to send the Windows clipboard directly to the Braille device.  Also integrated into the HTCom is the ability to have grade-2 translation as well as a monitor mode for visualising the display of the Braille device,  HTCom works with all of the Handy Tech devices.

The Triple Action Concept

The Handy Tech triple action keys are a new concept to use different functions with just 1 key. The triple action keys allow you to activate 3 functions by pressing the upper, lower or middle part of the key.  The triple action keys are ergonomically located to the left and right of the Braille reading area and are a feature of all of the Handy Tech products.

EasyBraille

Despite the small size, the EasyBraille is a fully functional Braille display.  Connected via USB to a PC, EasyBraille does not need disturbing power cables or batteries.

EasyBraille is equipped with 40 piezoelectric Braille elements.  Each of these elements is equipped with a cursor routing key.  This allows you to place the cursor on the position of the reading finger while reading Braille.

Easy Braille also offers 2 navigation keys and 8 function keys.  The layout of the function keys allows you to use them for Braille input.

The perfect match

EasyBraille can be combined with a leptop or the reading system Sophie. In combination with a laptop or PC, EasyBraille transforms screen information into Braille.  A screen reader program is needed to drive this Braille display.  This screen reading program will offer speech as well as Braille output.  The combination of EasyBraille with text reading product Sophie allows the conversion of printed text into Braille within seconds. Sophie Text Reader recognises any printed text like books, magazines, letters and converts them into speech so now printed text can be read in Braille as well as by using EasyBraille.

Technical data:  40 concavely shaped Braille cells, 40 cursor routing keys, 8 noise reduced function keys, 2 navigation keys, USB interface, no power cables (power supply via USB), colour Hand Tech blue.

Dimensions: W x D x H – 30.5cm x 9cm x 2.9cm.

Weight: 0.74kg

Braille Star 40

The Braille Star 40 is an ergonomically optimised Braille display with 40 piezo-electric Braille cells and is designed for use in combination with a laptop. Combined with a keyboard the Braille Star 40 can be used as a stand-alone note taker, being extremely compact and equipped with a serial, USB and Bluetooth technology for wireless connection.

When using the Braille Star 40 with a laptop computer with a screen reader the surface for placing the laptop can be pulled out like a tray to adjust it to the corresponding size of the laptop base. Braille Star 40 is delivered with a carrying case with shoulder strap, which can be used as like a backpack.

Braille Star 40 can be used as a note taker with the Braille input keys or you can connect it to a regular PC keyboard for editing. It is light weight and compact to carry. With a 20hr battery capacity, it can be used mobile.

With Bluetooth connection, Braille Star 40 can be used wireless as a Braille display at your PC within a 10 meter’s range, you are free to control your PC anywhere in the room. 

Braille Star 80

The Braille Star 80 is an ergonomically optimised Braille display for the professional workplace, with 80 piezo-electric Braille cells.  Combined with a PC keyboard Braille 80 can be used stand alone to take notes (not that you would want to carry this one around with you). In this way the Braille 80 becomes an intelligent Braille system.  The PC keyboard can be placed directly on top of the Braille Star 80. In addition to a16-key numeric block, the Braille Star 80 is also equipped with 8 function keys.  These are ergonomically positioned for Braille input.

Universal Connectivity

Braille Star 80 can be connected to a PC via USB or the serial port.  2 audio-stereo inputs are on the back, there allow a pass-through to the right front corner of the Braille Star.  This allows you to connect a headset and a microphone conveniently and directly to the Braille Star 80.

With just one keyboard, you can either take notes internally or control the PC as the keyboard is plugged directly into the Braille Star 80 and so you can switch between using either input method.  The Braille Star 80 is available in Handy Tech blue and silver grey.

With the triple action keys allowing activation of 3 functions the Braille Star 80 is also equipped with extended up and down keys. These keys can be easily reached while reading the more central area of the Braille display, also the 16 key keypad is user definable and can be used for additional functionality like “dialling” in a telephone application.

While working with the PC, you can also take internal notes independently from the PC. You can take those notes either with the Braille keys on the front of the Braille Star 80 or with the PC keyboard on top of the Braille Star 80.

Your notes will be stored as files within the Braille Star 80 and up to 5 files can be opened in parallel.  Alt+tab (chord 568) allows you to switch between files.  A file can be up to 3mb,and up to 512 files can be stored in the Braille Star 80.  Block functions like copy (ctrl+c), cut (ctrl+x) and paste (ctrl+v) are available. There is also a clipboard and easy to use search and replace function and with HTCom you can transfer files to and fro without difficulty.

Braille Wave

Move into new ways of reading Braille with the Braille Wave – the Braille display that’s so light and compact that it fits in any briefcase and still has 40 Braille cells.

The small, compact, curved casing makes your orientation to the Braille Wave easy. Along with the unique curved Braille Cell and HTCom; the Handy Tech communication system.

The best position for the Braille display in relation to the keyboard is gained by placing the Braille Wave in front of the PC-keyboard or the laptop. Place the Braille Wave on your lap and lean back. 

Now it is even possible to connect an external QWERTY keyboard to the Braille Wave.

Dimensions: 36cm x 12cm x 3.5cm (14.7 x  4.7 x 1.3 inches).

Weighing 1kg (35 oz),

Braillino

Braillino is the ultimate Braille note-taker.  The possibility to combine Braillino with an off the shelf mobile phone provides access to functions like short messaging, e-mails and so on.  If you want to use the next generation of mobile, Braillino is ready for this. Bluetooth technology allows you to connect Braillino wirelessly to personal organisers, mobile phones or a PC.

Braillino offers a 20 character Braille display with 2 triple action keys and an ergonomic Braille keyboard. It is so small and compact that you can use it as a Braille note-taker anywhere.

By using the latest in mobile communication and connecting Braillino to the newest generation mobile phones and organisers with Bluetooth, the software package Talks&Braille provides access to the complete functionality of mobiles phones by adding speech output and Braille support.

Talks&Braille

Talks&Braille is a very comfortable and flexible screen reading solution for the Symbian operating system running on mobile phones.  Text displayed on the mobile phone is converted into speech and Braille.  You can control your mobile phone using Braillino Braille keyboard.

Braillino can be used as a Braille note-taker on its own. Braillino’s 4mb flash memory can store upto 512 files, with a single file up to 3mb.  For comfortable text entry, you can connecta standard computer keyboard to the Braillino.

Notes can be stored as files directly into the Braillino and up to 5 files can be opened at once, you can switch between open files with alt+tab (chord 568).  Braillino offers the block functions copy (ctrl+c), cut (ctrl+x), and paste (ctrl+v). Additionally, Braillino offers a clipboard and easy to use search and replace function.

Bookworm

Bookworm is a portable Braille reading device in walkman size.  It provides easy access to literature in electronic form. Books stored within the Talks&Braille Bookworm can be read tactile in Braille with 8 Braille cells. The ergonomic shape of the Bookworm makes reading a real pleasure. The concave Braille cells of the Bookworm follow the shape of your finger tips, which makes it ideal for reading.

You can store several book onto the Bookworm with a total size of 4mb.  This corresponds to 4,000 pages of Braille or 50binders in Braille print.  While transferring books into the Bookworm with the HTCom you can optionally choose grade 2 translation. The Bookworm can also be used as a mini Braille display for your computer. 

Weight 400g (14.1oz), the Bookworm fits easily in any pocket. Using rechargeable batteries and running more than 30 hours on 1 charge, makes the Bookworm the perfect travel companion.

Please contact the team for a full datasheet.

The Professional Braille System with Active Tactile Control (ATC)

Modular evolution is designed for the professional blind user in their workplace.  Adapted for your needs, Modular Evolution offers the perfect combination for you.

The individual Components of the Modular Evolution

Modular Braille Display

The Braille display unit of the Modular Evolution is available with 88 or 64 Braille cells. This Modular Braille display is the first one to use the revolutionary Active Tactile Control (ATC) technology. ATC opens blind users to new and more efficient ways to use a PC.  In addition to ATC, the Modular Braille display offers the following control elements:

v  2 navigation keys (left/right), ergonomically placed across the whole width of the Braille display.

v  2 triple action keys, (left/right)., integrated with the tactile area.

v  8 functional keys (B1-B4, B5-B8).

v  88 or 64 cursor routing keys for placing the cursor at each Braille position.

The Modular Braille display offers 3 additional USB ports. With the 4gb internal memory, all applications and data are always available to you.

Modular Keyboard is a complete PC keyboard with tactile markings for the blind user, which can be clipped onto the Braille display unit.

Modular Braille Keyboard you can enter text in Braille. It also offers complete control of the PC. In addition to the 8 ergonomic Braille entry keys.

Modular Number Pad when clipping on to the Modular Evolution, the number pad offers additional functions. The 16 keys of the Modular number pad can be individually assigned. For example, as a telephone operator, you can use the number pad directly for dialling or switchboard functions.

The One-Cable-Solution

All components of the Modular Evolution can be clipped on to the Modular Braille display without the need for any annoying cables. With just 1 cable the whole system of the Modular Evolution is connected to the PC via USB.

The new Dimensionof Braille Reading – Active Tactile Control (ACT)

A patent pending ACT enable you to control the PC directly with your reading position on the Braille display. This opens up a new world of controlling a PC for visually impaired and blind users.  With the help of ACT words or letters can be announced by the speech output.  ACT even recognises when the current line has been read completely and automatically scrolls to the next line without the need to press the reading keys.

For full details of this system, please contact the team for a full datasheet.

Emprint Spot Dot – Ink and Braille printing and embossing

The Emprint Spot Dot has been developed with HP and ViewPlus technology combined to give a system that will help not only the blind with tactile images, but also for those with learning difficulties.  Just imagine working in the classroom with a student with learning difficulties or a visual impairment and being able to see what is on the page along with the student also being able to feel it.  Or, combine the use of the Emprint with the IVEO touch pad and create a truly Haptic learning experience. 

This model is faster than the original model with 60 characters per second.

It comes in Red or White and uses the same paper and ink cartridges as an HP inkjet printer.

SpotDot technology means:

v  Prints Braille and ink on the same page (colour ink with Emprint).

v  TSS software automatically formats Word and Excel documents for Braille.

v  Creates raised visual images on paper from anything on the computer screen.

v  Includes Tiger Designer – tactile graphics design software for Windows.

v  Employs Tiger technology design software for Windows.

v  Employs Tiger technology – the new standard in embossed actile graphics.

Using Haptic (touch) sensory modality engages the 2 hemispheres of the brain simultaneously – assuming we retain information in the long-term memory.

The Haptic modality is the most active and interactive of all the senses, and unlike the visual or auditory modalities, it is bi-directional, everyone learns better through haptic interaction with materials.

People with learning disabilities are often limited to a single learning style and have great difficulties processing new concepts without tactile /kinaesthetic activities. In certain cases, children cannot learn to count without touching the objects that are counting, as blind people also need haptic prints to have any access to graphic information for all.

Printing with haptic colour assures that everyone can make use of the material you create.

There are 3 learning styles: 1) visual; 2) auditory, and 3) tactile / kinaesthetic.

The tactile / kinaesthetic is driven by unparalleled Tiger embossing.  Add photo-quality HP inkjet printing to Spot Dot for the visual.  Place your haptic colour prints on the IVEO touchpad to add auditory feedback.

IVEO Touch Pad Learning

With the IVEO you can:

v  Develop interactive teaching materials like talking maps, charts and diagrams. Make Powerpoint and Visio into a tactile / audio / visual format.

v  Read and write PDF forms with universal accessibility. Make textbooks accessible through touch and audio.

v  Distil files instantly Windows programs. Scale documents to any size independently.

v  Free download of the IVEO viewer for reading documents visually and by touch with audio feedback.

The IVEO package consists of the following:

v  IVEO Creator:  the core of the IVEO software package for adding audio features and editing.

v  IVEO Convertor: driver for automatically converting computer files and paper material into IVEO software.

Download the free IVEO viewer from:

http://www.viewplus.com/products/software/IVEOViewer/download

Tiger Braille and graphics embossers

The Tiger can emboss at 4 times the density of so-called “high resolution” embosser graphics. Even thermal paper cannot match Tiger patented 3-D graphics.  Tiger embossers are quiet, making no more noise than a dot matrix printer.

The Tiger can emboss Braille and graphic together on regular paper.  There is finally a solution for tricky and costly thermal paper. Create graphics like you would for an ink printer using familiar Windows software and print directly to the Embosser.  The Windows OS is the most widely used for information exchange.  Tigers are the only embossers that allow creating and embossing of Braille directly from mainstream Windows software like MS Office, as well as from traditional Braille-making software like Duxbury and Megadots.

All Tiger Printers have the following features:

Warranty: 30 day money-back guarantee – 1 year parts and labour warranty.

Graphics: 20 dots per inch resolution – automatic conversion of colour and shades images to 3-D tactile graphics.

Network compatibility: adjust settings from your computer via a printer network box connection.

Compatibility Braille software: the purchase of a Tiger embosser includes the TSS translation software for converting text to Braille directly in Windows Microsoft Office (also for graphics), you can also use Duxbury and Megadots, Dots plus and Braille Maker.  

Compatible graphics software: Windows OS software system requirement: PC 486, Pentium, or higher with Windows 2000 / XP operating systems.

Tiger Cub and Cub Jr desktop embosser

Use Tiger Cub for: Braille production, tactile graphics, Braille math with graphics, Braille adhesive labels, Braille business cards, etc

Key features of the Tiger Cub and Tiger Jr:

Braille – 50 characters per second (3 pages of Braille per minute, 8.5 by 11 size).  (Jr 30 characters, 2+ pages per minute).  Interpoint and Intergraphix (2 pass process even allows you to mix graphics and interpoint text).

Media – tractor paper feeder included, stack paper feeder available, Braille paper, computer paper, labels, plastics, card stock, etc.

Paper thickness – adjustable form very thin paper (copier paper) to heavy cardstock / plastic.  Width: 4” to 9.5” wide. Length: up to 50” long.

Physical measurements – height:133mm (5.2”), width: 434mm (17”), depth: 332mm (13.1”). Weight: 7.5kg (16.5lbs).

Print characteristics – user-selectable tactile fonts, including computer Braille and DotsPlus Braille, portrait and landscape modes.

Operating environment – voltage: from 100 to 120v (or 220-240v), current rating: 1.2-1A (or 0-.65A), frequency: 50-60+/- Hz, Power: standby 15w, average print 75w, temperature: 10 – 38c (41-100f), humidity: 10% - 90% RH (non condensing).

Interface - parallel: Bi-directional IEEE 1284 (nibble mode), 36 pin Centronics compatible, Serial: RD – 232 /C 25 connector.

Tiger Max desktop embosser

Use Tiger Max for: Braille production, tactile graphics, Braille math with graphics, Braille adhesive, Braille business cards, etc.

Key Features:

Braille: 60 characters per second (4 pages of Braille per minute - 11.5 by 11 size), Interpoint and Intergraphix (2 pass process even allows you to mix graphics and interpoint text).

Media: tractor feeder included, stack paper feeder available, Braille paper, computer paper, labels, plastics, card stock, etc.

Paper thickness – adjustable form very thin paper (copier paper) to heavy cardstock / plastic.  Width: 4” to 14” wide. Length: up to 50” long.

Physical measurements – height:133mm (5.2”), width: 570mm (22.4”), depth: 332mm (13.1”). Weight: 8.5kg (18.7lbs).

Print characteristics – user-selectable tactile fonts, including computer Braille and DotsPlus Braille, portrait and landscape modes.

Operating environment – voltage: from 100 to 120v (or 220-240v), current rating: 1.2-1A (or 0-.65A), frequency: 50-60+/- Hz, Power: standby 15w, average print 75w, temperature: 10 – 38c (41-100f), humidity: 10% - 90% RH (non condensing).

Interface - parallel: Bi-directional IEEE 1284 (nibble mode), 36 pin Centronics compatible, Serial: RD – 232 /C 25 connector.

Tiger Pro embosser

Use the Tiger pro for: Braille production, tactile graphics, Braille math with graphics, oversized documents, Braille adhesive labels, Braille business cards etc

Tiger Pro key features:

Braille: 100 characters per second (5 pages of Braille per minute - 11.5 by 11 size), Interpoint and Intergraphix (2 pass process even allows you to mix graphics and interpoint text).

Media: optimal dual tractor paper feeder, optional cut-sheet stack feeder (upto 3),  Braille paper, computer paper, oversized paper, labels, plastics, card stock, etc.

Paper thickness – adjustable form very thin paper (copier paper) to heavy cardstock / plastic.  Width: 4” to 17” wide. Length: up to 50” long.

Physical measurements – height:133mm (5.2”), width: 570mm (22.4”), depth: 332mm (13.1”). Weight: 8.5kg (18.7lbs).

Reliability requirements: workload:35,000 pages per month. Service life: 5 years or 10,000 hours.

Print characteristics – user-selectable tactile fonts, including computer Braille and DotsPlus Braille, portrait and landscape modes. Automatic end-of-page perforation when using continuous roll media.

Physical measurements – height:332mm (12.6”), width: 670mm (26.38”), depth: mm (18.11”). Weight: 21kg (44.35lbs).

Operating environment – voltage: from 100 to 230vac (+10%/-15%), frequency: 50-60+/- Hz, current rating: 1.3-2.9A, Power: standy 28w, average print 200w, temperature: 10 – 40 c (50-104f), humidity: 10%-90% RH (non-condencing).

Other Tiger options

Tiger Pro inkjet attachment

As we as all of the other things you can already do with the Tiger Pro you can also now add an Ink Printer attachment so that Grayscale Ink can be added to your document.  This attachment is available as an optional extra to the Pro only.  You can just add labels to the document for easy recognition or you can have all of the text printed at the same time as the Braille and graphics.

Braille paper

Braille printing services

We are now able to offer a Braille translation and printing service at an economical price.  Restaurant menus, timetables, information sheets, tactile building maps, business cards etc, no job is too small.  Contact the team for more information.

Tiger Elite and Premier High Volume Embossers

High volume Braille productions – with Tiger graphics

Get the quality and reliability expected with a heavy-duty Braille production unit along with the added benefit of Tiger graphics, the most detailed raised graphics available from any Braille embosser.  Create an entire Braille book, complete with double-sided Braille text and tactile graphics, all with the touch of a button.

Purchase includes a licence for the Tiger software suite for Braille translation, tactile graphics design and more.

Tiger embossers are also compatible with Duxbury and other Braille and tactile graphics software.

Models include:

Premier 80 – printing speed: 80 CPS, paper width 4 – 12.5 inches.

Premier 100 – printing speed: 100 CPS, paper width 4 – 12.5 inches.

Elite 150 - printing speed: 150 CPS, paper width 4 – 12.5 inches.

Elite 200 - printing speed: 200 CPS, paper width 4 – 12.5 inches.

New Tiger Braille Dot

The Tiger Elite / Premier series incorporates the newly redesigned Tiger Braille Dot.  Tests prove the new dot is improved for readability, yet maintains Tiger’s unmatched detail in producing tactile graphics.

Braille production made flexible and easy

Braille is translated and embossed from MS Word in 1 touch, graphics are produced from any PC software including Adobe Illustrator and CoreIDRAW.

Tactile graphics embossed in fine details

Braille & Graphics software included

·         Tiger Software Suite (TSS).

·         TSS incorporates Braille software, tactile graphics studio, etc.

·         Tiger Braille Embossers are also compatible with Duxbury and other Braille software.

DD Aware – ENABLING not DISABLING