Lightwriter SL20 Handbook sw V4.2

CONNECTORS Charger Port Ext-Spkr Sw1 Sw2

Use only the charger supplied (9VDC 800mA, positive tip). Printer-port. For external speaker when required (for example, to use the phone); socket is 3.5 mm mono. Insert a switch to operate the scan-system. Insert a switch to operate the scan-system (if required).

Charger light Charger Port Switch-1 Switch-2 External speaker

INTRODUCTION The Lightwriter is a compact communication-system for people who cannot speak. It normally contains synthesised speech, in one or more languages, and can be used over the phone. It has 36 user-memories; it can print. It can be configured to suit a variety of physical needs, including users who cannot use a keyboard.

SUMMARY To write a messagePress: ON/C and then your message. (put a space after each word). To delete one letterPress: BACK-SPACE. To repeat the messagePress: REPLAY. (try also SHIFT-REPLAY). To clear the displayPress: ON/C. (now try pressing REPLAY: message is retrieved!). To store a memoryPress: MEM MEM then, for example, H. (having typed a message). To recall a memoryPress: MEM then, for example, H. (the symbol '*' means 'memory-mode'). To summon attentionPress: BUZZ. (SHIFT-BUZZ for a longer sound). USE ALL DAY, AND RE-CHARGE OVERNIGHT: USE THE CHARGER SUPPLIED. IF BATTERY IS LOW, USE THE MACHINE WITH THE CHARGER PLUGGED IN.

CARE OF THE EQUIPMENT Do not drop; this is a delicate instrument. Arrange a suitable mounting-system, if required. Use a damp rag to clean; do not get water in the machine. Do not use solvents, especially on the displays. Charge the battery overnight if in use, every three months if not in use.

THERAPISTS, CARERS We appreciate that some users will be unable to read this Handbook; the equipment is designed to be as simple as possible.

The user may therefore be relying on you for a summary; draw some simple diagrams, write a few notes and explain through conversation; use all three methods of communication so that the user can 'build a picture'. A short 'confidence-building' session with the user will be helpful; show them only the features that they will need (they can always learn the rest later). Make sure that the user presses the keys, not the demonstrator - this is the most effective way of teaching. The user may need a follow-up a few days or weeks later; check that settings are still appropriate.

KEYBOARD ON/C Wait for the click after pressing the ON/C key ("On-or-Clear"); keystrokes before this click will be ignored. SHIFT Press: SHIFT once to shift the next character only. Press: SHIFT twice to lock: all following characters are shifted; press a 3rd time to unlock. EXAMPLES: SHIFT FULLSTOP to get COMMA, and SHIFT 5 to get % NOTE: If the setup is "CASE: lower", SHIFT will also produce upper-case letters REPLAY This key will repeat and speak the message. You can type indefinitely, but you can only replay the first 255 characters. The speed of replay is controlled by the setup Replay-speed. Press SHIFT then REPLAY to replay as quickly as possible. If REPLAY is the first key after ON/C, the last message will be recalled - even months later! BUZZ Press to summon attention. Press SHIFT then BUZZ for a longer sound. Use one of our external speaker systems to amplify this, if necessary. 'FEEL' The Lightwriter's software has 2 controls to alter the characteristics of the keyboard, Tremor and Touch. See 'SETUPS'. CLEANING Use a damp cloth; If the keys are sticking, the keyplate needs to be removed and washed: see 'LAYOUT' below. THIS KEYBOARD WILL PERFORM BADLY IF EXPOSED TO FOOD, DRINK, ETC. We offer a clear plastic Keyboard-glove, which protects the keyboard against this. LAYOUT The Layout setup allows you to change the keyboard layout from QWERTY to ABCDE, AZERTY (French), or QWERTZ (German). The keycaps must also be changed, as follows: Remove the keyguard, see page 2. Wash the keys (a little water will help them 'pop on'). Fit the keys with the Lightwriter 'on' (this gives you confirmation of what each key does). Refit keyboard surround. NEVER OVERTIGHTEN THE SCREWS.

ACCENTS Use the accents provided - they affect the pronunciation! The accented-character system in this software (V4.2) is international, and has keys like this:

Press * followed by a number or * * followed by a number, to produce accented-characters and symbols; or press * * * to cancel the mode. Watch the x and + symbols at the left of the display.

Keys *1 *2 *3 *4 *5 *6 *7 *8 *9 *Ø

result ... grave accent acute accent circumflex accent tilde accent umlaut accent circle accent german (ß) danish (æ) less than (<) more than (>)

Keys **1 **2 **3 **4 **5 **6 **7 **8 **9 **Ø

result ... dollars ($) cents (¢) colon (:) hash (#) at (@) c-cedilla (ç) icelandic D icelandic p danish (ø) pound (£)

EXAMPLES: * then 2 then E produces é; * then 2 then I produces í; * then * then 'zero' produces £. This label should be fitted under your number keys:

KEYGUARD Two green spacers are supplied, these raise the keyguard. Keep them in a safe place! To fit or remove: Slacken the 4 black screws with the screwdriver provided (work on a clear , flat surface). If a keyboard glove is fitted, roll up the corner to get the screwdriver in. If a raincoat is fitted, remove it. Raise the key-plate sufficiently to insert or remove the two green spacers; tighten the screws. When fitted, the keytops may 'tilt' if the machine is knocked; press the keycaps down firmly at the corners when this happens, and after a little use they will 'seat themselves'. IF THIS 'KEYGUARD' IS INSUFFICIENT, WE OFFER A DEEPER ONE.

HANDLE The pull-out handle has 2 holes; use these for the neck-harness which is provided. The holes can also be used to tie the Lightwriter to a wheelchair etc, to prevent it falling; mounting systems are also available.

MEMORIES There are 36 memories26 letter-memories (MEM A, MEM B, MEM C, etc); each letter-memory can store the first 127 characters of a message; this includes spaces. The machine will beep when the 120th character is entered, as a warning. 10 number-memories (MEM 1, MEM 2, MEM 3, etc); each number-memory can store the first 255 characters of a message; this includes spaces.The machine will beep when the 230th character is entered, as a warning. To store a memoryPress: ON/C, type your message, then MEM MEM, then the desired letter or number. EXAMPLE: ON/C then type LIGHTWRITER then MEM MEM L The screen-prompt is Save? Mem=Ok; press MEM. The response is Saved, and if you do not see this message, nothing has been saved. To recall a memoryPress: EXAMPLE: MEM then L

MEM then [chosen key].

(the speed of recall is controlled by the setup Replay-speed. Press ON/C to cancel the memoryrecall). To find a memoryGET A FRIEND TO WRITE THEM DOWN on the sheet provided. To replace a memoryAs for ‘store’. Pressing MEM means that the old memory will be replaced by the new. ERASE ONE To erase one memoryPress: ON/C MEM MEM then [chosen key] then MEM. In other words, replace it with 'nothing'. ERASE ALL To erase all memoriesPress: MEM MEM MEM then hold E for 10 seconds, until the message is Erasing. Wait until the Lightwriter 'beeps': it is now ready for a new user. (if you release E before Erasing appears, the memories will be left intact). IDEAS We suggest that you store some phrases such as these (in your own language of course!): HELLO HOW ARE YOU? GOODBYE WHAT IS YOUR NAME? I AM SORRY MY HEARING IS OK, PLEASE SPEAK NORMALLY WOULD YOU PLEASE SAY THAT AGAIN? THANK YOU PLEASE WOULD YOU PUT THE LIGHTWRITER ON CHARGE OOPS, I DIDN'T MEAN TO RECALL THAT MEMORY! (Use the last phrase if you accidentally select a memory you did not intend to select. Make yourself understood!) Machines with more than one language: You can store some memories in one language, and others in the other language.

DISPLAYS CaseUPPER or lower case.

BATTERY Square at left of displayLow battery! It is time for an overnight charge, USING THE CHARGER SUPPLIED. Or, plug in the charger and continue typing.

If in use 6 hours continuous use. The Lighwriter turns itself off when not used, and this time can be varied: see 'SETUPS'.

FUNCTIONS A beep will be emitted, to confirm that the function has been executed. MEM MEM MEM SHIFT 5 All setups reset to 'as new', eg: for a new user. MEM MEM MEM P Sends your message from the screen to the printer, if fitted. MEM MEM MEM E Erase memories: hold 'E' for 10 secs to start the process(display: Erasing). MEM MEM MEM V Display the software-version(display: V4.2 and date). the letter after the version-number signifies the speech-synthesiser: V4.0E=Eurovocs, V4.0J=Juno, V4.0C=Ciber, etc. Be sure to quote this in any enquiry.

PRINT Connect our MiniPrinter to the printer-port on the Lightwriter. The MiniPrinter is turned on and off by the Lightwriter; it consumes very little power unless printing, and can therefore be left permanently plugged into the Lightwriter. There is a choice of 4 print-sizes/styles. To select a print-style, the Style button must be used before printing). To print your messagePress: MEM MEM MEM P. To advance the paperPress: FEED. (if the motor stays on, press FEED to cancel). To change sizePress: STYLE repeatedly. (choose the style each time, it will revert to Plain after printing). To charge the printerUse the Lightwriter charger. (the MiniPrinter has 'Low battery' and 'Charging' lights). To change the print-rollPress: FEED for 2 seconds. (release when all lights are on; feed new roll; FEED to cancel). CONSUMABLES The paper-roll is a standard 57 x 57 adding-machine roll. The ribbon is a "standard" Epson part. NOTE If the print-command is issued without a printer connected, the Lightwriter will seem to "lock up"; press On/C to clear.

SETUPS USE THIS SYSTEM TO ADJUST THE LIGHTWRITER TO SUIT THE USER. To enter setup systemPress: MEM REPLAY ... (user-display shows Volume). To view the listPress: SPACE or BACK-SPACE to move down or up the list ... (watch the display).

(SPEECH) Volume: ** Voice: **

Select the speech volume; (Ø) = Off, (4) = Max. Select a voice; press 'Replay' twice to hear the new voice (if there is a message on-screen). Select when to speak; WORD = Every-word, REPLAY = Replay-only.

Speak: ** (KEYBOARD) Click: Tremor: Touch: (SCAN) Scan-speed: Auditory-scan: ** (GENERAL) Auto-off (mins): Replay-speed: Case: Layout: Language: **

Select the key-click; (Ø) = Off, (4) = Max. Select anti-ttrrreemmmor: if you want to type 'AA' (and Tremor is not Ø), type 'A - wait - A'. Select the time that keys must be held down before they operate. Select the scan-speed; range (1) to (4). Select spoken-scan; (ON) or (OFF). Select the automatic turn-off time (if the SL20 is unused). Select the speed of both 'Memory-recall' and 'Replay', (1) to (4). Select UPPER- or lower-case. Select the keyboard layout: QWERTY, ABCDE, AZERTY (French) or QWERTZ (German). Select the language (where 2 or more languages fitted).

** These setups are hidden if the machine does not have speech.

To change that setupPress: + repeatedly. To leave setup-systemPress: any other key ... your setup changes will be stored. EXAMPLE:

To change 'voice' ... MEM REPLAY SPACE '+' ON/C

EXAMPLES OF SETUPS To speak at the end of the sentence, instead of 'every word': Go to the setup Speak and change the setting to REPLAY. To change replay-speed speed: Go to the setup Replay-speed and change it to 1, 2, 3, or 4. (Note: this will also affect the speed of memory-recall).

PROBLEMS are often a result of incorrect setups. To revert all setups to 'ideal': Press MEM MEM MEM SHIFT 5.

SCAN Insert switch(es); press Scan1. The system will start; it can be operated by only one switch (Scan1). The shortcuts below, and/or a 2nd switch (Scan2), will make the system faster to use.

SCAN1 Click once to select: Bsp to remove the last character from your message. Spc to add a space to your message. Mem then a letter or number to select a memory; these should be stored by the carer, using the keyboard. Rep to replay the message. Buz to Buzz for 4 seconds. A to Z to add that character to your message. Num to enter the 'Numbers' sub-menu, which includes 'decimal-point' (5.4), and 'decimal-comma' (5,4). Sym to enter the 'Symbols' sub-menu, which includes a long list of all accented-characters double-click to get out! Clr to Clear if selected by accident, see the note at the foot of the page. Prn to Print if selected by accident, see the note at the foot of the page. OFF to turn Off if selected by accident, see the note at the foot of the page. SCAN1 SHORTCUTS Hold down Go faster through the list IF Touch: Ø or 1, and NOT if Touch: 2, 3 or 4. Double-click Go to A or Num, depending where you are. Double-click again if necessary. To leave a sub-menu select Ok, or double-click Scan 1, or wait for the sub-menu to scan 2 times. SCAN2 This will 'jump-back' 4 characters; press it repeatedly to jump back 4 - 8 - 12 (note that this can be used to get to XYZ from A). THE SCAN SYSTEM IS AFFECTED BY THE FOLLOWING SETUPS Scan-speed: Set scan-speed; remember that scanning speeds up if Scan1 is held down (see 'Hold Down'). Auditory-scan: Each item will be spoken at a low volume if this setup is ON. Click: The scan 'clicks' according to this setup. Touch: Set Touch: 1 to ignore inadvertent presses; In addition, Touch: 2, 3 or 4 will not go-faster - use these if the user has difficulty in releasing reliably. The scan-user can access the setups; select Mem, Rep, Spc, < and +. If you select Prn without a printer connected, the Lightwriter will 'stop' for 15 seconds while it works out what to do; Wait! IF Rep IS THE VERY FIRST SELECTION WHEN YOU TURN ON, OR AFTER YOU HAVE SELECTED Clr, THE PREVIOUS MESSAGE IS RECALLED!

TROUBLESHOOTING Problems are often caused by incorrect setups.

(SPEECH) Won't speak? Speaks badly. The Language setup reverts to 1. (KEYBOARD) Q displays A, for example. Keys need to be held down a few seconds. System 'frozen'? System still 'frozen'? (DISPLAYS) Letters are in lower-case. Message cleared accidentally? Displays intermittent? (SCAN) Too slow? Overshoots? Spoken scan is clipped? Wrong accents in the scan-list? System 'frozen'? User cannot release - scan races away. Switch does not respond instantly. (CHARGER) Is your mains-socket OK? Is the charger-light lit? Try wiggling the wire. Are you using our charger?

Check that the Volume setup is not Ø. Charge the battery. Check the language-number (see rear label) matches the setup Language. Has the battery run flat at any time? Check the setup Layout. Check the setups Tremor and Touch. If in doubt, set both to Ø. Wait 15 seconds. Press 'On/C'. Check the Case setup. Press REPLAY (or select Rep when scanning). Low battery? It will go faster if you keep Scan1 held down, if Touch: Ø or 1. Set the Scan speed slower. Set the Scan speed slower. Set Keys to the correct language. Prn selected without a printer connected? Wait 15 seconds. Set Touch: 2, 3 or 4. Set Touch to Ø. Try another appliance in that socket. If not, the charger is probably dead. If may have broken inside the insulation, if it has been pulled violently. The charger we supplied has a label like this:

To revert all setups to 'ideal' Press: MEM MEM MEM SHIFT 5.

ACCESSORIES KEYGUARD If the green keyguard spacers do not provide a deep enough keyguard, we supply an alternative keyguard with deep recesses. Can be fitted by the user. KEYBOARD GLOVE A clear plastic sheet which fits over the keyboard. CARRYING Neck strap: Clips into the carry-handle under the keyboard; supplied with the machine. Carry bag: Soft, padded material; supplied with shoulder-strap and waist-strap. Wrist strap: Carry the Lightwriter with a strap wrapped round the wrist. Protective case: Executive-style suitcase. Mounting: Our Mobilia system provides wheelchair-fixing. PRINTER Small battery-operated ' tally-roll' printer with 4 font-sizes. SPEAKERS If the internal speaker is insufficient, choose 1 of the 3 systems offered, for increased volume.

GUARANTEE Your distributor offers a guarantee. It normally excludes: Mechanical damage, eg dropped. Abuse. Unauthorised removal of the back of the Lightwriter.

INSURANCE You may wish to insure the equipment; many companies offer policies to cover this type of equipment against Fire, Theft and Accidental Damage. You may be able to include it on your House-contents Policy.

RETURNING THE EQUIPMENT If you need to return the equipment to your distributor: Pack the machine and its charger with plenty of protection, preferably in the original box. Ensure the ON button cannot be pressed in transit; refit the green spacers if available. Tape up the parcel securely. Address it clearly; and put your (sender's) name and address on the back. Return all the equipment (including charger) to your distributor. Enclose a note to say who it is from, and why. Ring, or send a letter separately, quoting: Your name, address and phone-number. The serial number (on the back). The invoice number (if known). The date of despatch. The faults (or reason for return). The courier.

SERVICING The Lightwriter is extremely reliable if treated properly. By far the most frequent cause of damage is mechanical abuse (dropping it, coffee-spillage, etc). The equipment does not need regular maintenance, and is designed to give many years troublefree use. We undertake to carry a full range of spare parts for this model for at least 5 years, or to supply a newer model.

CHARGER If you plan to travel, the existing charger will work (with a suitable adaptor), provided the supply is 200 - 250 volts (Europe, most of Australia, New Zealand, etc). For countries like USA/Canada or Japan where the voltage is lower, you can't use the original charger; you can buy a charger for USA/Canada from us, or from our US distributor: ZYGO Industries Inc, Oregon, (503) 684 6006. If in doubt, check the voltage in the country you are going to. The charger output must be 9-10 Volts DC, minimum rating of 800mA, output-plug: 2.1 mm x 5.5 mm x 12 mm, positive-tip. A car charging-lead is available; this charges the equipment from a car cigarette-lighter socket.

AIRCRAFT If you are advised by a stewardess not to use other electrical equipment such as portable computers, video recorders, or Walkman radios during parts of the flight such as take-off or landing, you should also refrain from using the Lightwriter during these periods. Carry the equipment as hand-luggage and not in a suitcase or bag; show airport-security staff how it works; this may make the security-check faster. The equipment will not be affected by the security X-ray machines.

STERILISATION If it is required to sterilise the equipment, the outer surfaces may be wiped with a cold sterilising agent. The equipment is splashproof but not waterproof; do not allow sterilising agent or cleaning fluid to get inside. The recommended technique is to hold equipment on end with the charger socket lowest and to clean the equipment in this position, reducing the risk of fluid entering the equipment. For dismantling instructions, see page 2. Do not use strong sterilising agents such as surgical spirit. Do not immerse in sterilising fluid. Do not expose to elevated temperatures. Do not autoclave. If a potential user is suffering from a virulent condition from which the equipment cannot be adequately sterilised using the above techniques, take care to avoid the risk of infecting future users or other people handling the equipment; you may wish to use an alphabet or picture board, which can be disposed of after use.

USER MEMORIES NUMBER Mem-1 Mem-2 Mem-3 Mem-4 Mem-5 Mem-6 Mem-7 Mem-8 Mem-9 Mem-Ø

255 characters each, including spaces and punctuation

LETTER Mem-A Mem-B Mem-C Mem-D Mem-E Mem-F Mem-G Mem-H Mem-I Mem-J Mem-K Mem-L Mem-M Mem-N Mem-O Mem-P Mem-Q Mem-R Mem-S Mem-T Mem-U Mem-V Mem-W Mem-X Mem-Y Mem-Z

127 characters each, including spaces and punctuation

THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF A SENTENCE WHICH CAN BE STORED ON A LETTER-MEMORY; IT IS 127 CHARACTERS INCLUDING SPACES AND PUNCTUATION.