features

There are three main features of the LightWRITER SL35:

1. the dual displays, one facing the 'user' and the other facing the 'communication partner'. This feature alone enables face-to-face conversation as the displays are bright and the text large and easy to read, even at a distance.
2. the compactness and attractive design make the SL35 readily portable and easy to handle
3. the ease of use means that most people can turn it on and begin using it with minimal instruction or manual reading.

The 'standard' SL35 (as depicted above) has the following features:

• dual vacuum fluorescent displays (VFD)
• keyboard in QWERTY layout
• DECtalk speech installed
• keys raised

If these features are not suitable there are many alternative modifications to the SL35 available, and there are alternative models available.

specifications

• overall size | 22.9 x 13.3 x 5.1 cm
• weight | 0.88 kg
• power | Rechargeable Ni-MH batteries up to 8 hours of continuous operation after an overnight charge - longer in normal use (see Auto-Off)
• displays| 2
• displays | 19 Characters Wide Standard: dual vacuum fluorescent displays (VFD), 6 mm high characters
• keyboard | light-touch keyboard, light force with tactile feedback; spaced for typing splash-proof, but not water-proof - optional raincoats are available
• keyguards | key surround may be raised to avoid pressing multiple keys (green spacers and screwdriver supplied with new unit). Deep keyguard is optional
• keyboard layouts | QWERTY: typewriter layout is standard; change anytime to ABCDE: which may easier for some people, for example those who have never had keyboard experience and are never likely to.
• display text | choose between UPPER-case only or UPPER/lower-case to the displays. Many additional symbols and accented characters
• special keys | two keys are changeable for international characters
• an external switch may be used for special operations, for example: turn the unit on, recall and speak a memory
• key click | adjustable loudness of the audible feedback
• tremor | adjustable delayed entry
• memory | lots of backed-up memory for use in: 36 memos of up to 250 characters each, one memo for each of the letter and number keys. Abbreviations/Expansions, speech exceptions, speedwriting - add your own SPDWRTG ABBREVS (speedwriting abbreviations). Facility to browse through the memories to see what is stored. Sequences: use 2 keys to play complicated key sequences, such as: print eight memories, with gaps between, the first one bold and the last one  
• 2 multi function ports to connect printer, scan module, external display or to connect to computer for download of memories and set-ups.

other features

• replay speed | adjustable speed of replay of messages and memories
• calculator-function
• call signal | choice of sounds
• text-to-speech output | speech standard: DECtalk, high quality American-English with eight adult voices (4-male and 4-female) and one child's voice Optional: external synthesizers may be used with or without an internal speech capability
• text prompting | set up word completion after selection of 1, 2, or 3 characters (or none). Stored vocabulary can be scrolled for visual selection. Examples of prompting after typing one character: If T is selected, the display will show The, if H is then selected, the display will change to THat, etc. Or, if T is selected, the display will show The. Then scroll to choose from the stored vocabulary list.
• auto-Off | adjustable time before the unit turns itself off ( to conserve battery energy)
• external devices | printers (serial or parallel) remote displays (LCD or VFD) expanded keyboards, plug-in scanner, mounting and carry bags.
• a threaded opening is provided for attaching items such as a wrist strap or security cable
• optional carrying cases, pouches, and mountings are available
• HELP !Online help (an abbreviated handbook on-screen) Context-sensitive help for setups, etc.
• larger keyboards can be added to the SL35 using the PC keyboard adaptor. Any PC keyboard can be attached to the SL35 LightWRITER using this adaptor, for example Cherry keyboard, Intellikeys or Big Keys. Take care about this option. Frequently this is considered for visual enhancement, however the portability and attraction of the compactness of the unit may be compromised for the user.
• there are many features on the SL35 standard unit to assist with vision difficulties such as the SPEAK: every key or Announce features.

supplied with

• instruction manual and quick reference guide/s
• alphabet card for back-up
• charger
• CD containing additional manuals
• greenkeyboard spacers and screwdriver
• neck strap
• warranty registration card