Category: Geeks r Us
So, I have this really cool little machine called the Braille+. There's probably a longer technical name that it has, but if you don't recognize Braille+, you probably don't know what I am talking about, and this question isn't worth you reading. But I was wondering if anyone knows how to use a braille display with it. My friend has one that connects to a computer with a USB thing, and I thought I could use that somehow, but there is no USB port on the actual Braille+ machine. It has a serial port, and a chord attaches from the serieal port and you can put USB chords on with that, btu the end that connects to the serial port chord is a smaller plug, rather like an MP3 chord, if anyone is familliar with that.
The newer software supports braille displays. I believe you can connect them via bluetooth or usb. When you plug the cable into the bottom of the BP, the block on the other end has three connectors--One is a mini USB port, one is a standard USB port, and the third is the AC Adapter. Personally, I love my braille plus, but made the mistake of not renewing the maintenance agreement, so I will pay out the yingyang to update the software. An expensive lesson.
Hope this helps.
Lou
Oh ok, so I should get the newer version? I got this one through my TVI at school for free, and I think she said I am allowed to keep it, but I'm not sure if I can get updates the same through them. But thanks so much, this does help yeah. I think there's a way to connect mine with bluetooth as well, I just haven't figured that out.
In general, any unit with a softwraee revision date of later than 2.0 will support braille displays. You can find out the software revision by going to the status menu and arrowing down. You can update the software from the Utilities menu. If your unit hasn't been registered, you'll need to do that. I'd suggest you check with your vision teacher first, however, just to make sure you can do this, and it isn't the school's property.
Lou
Alright sounds good. I'll check with her.
I got a BP from my school as well as a APH Refreshabraille (man that thing is nice). The only thing I can't do is connect it through bluetooth. I can connect it through USB but that's it. Its easier on my fingers though as the keys are more spaced then the BP's are, and easier to press down. I have 2.0.41
How big is the Braille Display from APH? Do you know if JAWS suports it? Just curious.
Lou
APH refershabraille 18. Yes, its supported by jaws. Its a bit smaller then the BP.
I'm trying to imagine a display smaller than the bp with 18 cells. Thanks.