features

There are three main features of the LightWRITER SL40:

1. the larger 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 updates design make the SL40 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 new speed enhancement features mean that generating messages is faster and simpler than before.

• The SL40 features new sleek styling, large bright displays and extra features.
• True prediction and auto-correction are new additions to the phrase banks and abbreviation expansion.
• Write and save lengthy pieces of text and speak them in a number of different ways.
• Set alarms to wake you up, or to remind you of events or appointments.
• Choose from the activity menu bar to navigate all the features.

The activity bar shown above provides quick navigation to the various operations of the SL40. If nothing is selected and the user starts typing, 'talk' mode will be automatically selected.

As text is typed, the second row displays predicted words. These are selected by choosing the corresponding number. Altenatively the words can be scrolled using 'next' and 'back' and selected using the 'do' key.

To select a stored phrase simply type a key word. In the example shown below the word 'my' is typed. All phrases including the word 'my' will be displayed.

The notebook section permits storing of large passages of text. Upon recall the pasaage can be reviewed by sentence or paragraph.

 

supplied with

• instruction manual and quick reference guide/s
• carry bag with strap
• strap kit (head, neck and waist strap and connections)
• screw-driver, key-ring and tool for changing keyguard
• charger
• keyguards for 3 configuration of keyboard
• warranty - PLEASE NOTE - SL40 is supplied with a special 'no quibble' warranty for either 1 or 3 years. This covers damage incurred which is repaired at the manufacturer's cost.

optional accessories

• mounting plate
• wheelchair mount

future models

• SL40 SIM offering text messaging
• SL40 Connect offering voice call facilities
• NOTE: these models will not be available for approximately one year. They are still under development and firm time-lines cannot be provided at this time. Mid 2011 would be the earliest ETA, but this is an unofficial estimation only.

frequently asked question

• Q1. When will be SL40 be available to purchase?
  A1. Now - from March 2010 - this will be the 'standard' model.

  Q2. When will the SIM/SMS model be available?
  A2. At this time no definite date or timeline can be given. The next generation SL40 will comply with the Australian A-tick (to certify the installed mobile phone module) and development is on-going. Updates will be provided when we know we are able to give definite information. Early to Mid 2011 would be the earliest ETA, but this is an unofficial estimation only. Toby Churchill Ltd have generously offered to exchange any "australian standard" SL40s purchased with the SMS model when it becomes available. This will all be arranged through ZYTEQ so please contact us if you wish to dicusss this offer further.

  Q3. I have seen the SL40 Connect on the Toby Churchill UK website. What is this?
  A3. This is the another future version of the SL40 which will permit voice calls via the in-built mobile phone module. Although it has been announced in UK it is not available anywhere yet; and will be quite some time off being available in UK. Once UK release is in place, AND once the Australian A-tick has been completed for the SIM/SMS in Australia, that’s when we can look at Australian release.

  Q4. Can the standard SL40 LightWRITER be upgraded to the SIM/SMS model or connect model at a later date?
  A4. At this time the SL40 that is available in Australia from March will not be upgradeable. When the time comes we will be able to offer an exchange/trade-in. The SIM/SMS and Connect models will be a higher price.

  Q5. What is happening with the SL 35, and other older models?
  A5. The SL35 will continue to be available throughout most of 2010. SL5, SL55, 56, 85, 87, cherry, big keys have effectively being discontinued but individual enquiries can be followed up.

  Q6. What are the main features of the SL40?
  A6. People who have been trialling the SL40 like the intelligent word prediction, the easy access stored phrases, the large bright displays, the loud & clear forward facing speaker, and the notebook section for recording long stories or conversations and the Acapela speech. However the longstanding popular features of the LightWRITER remain its greatest assets – the dual displays, the small compact sleek design and the simplicity of use.

  Q7. What can’t be done with the SL40 that people are familiar with from the SL35?
  A7. It is not possible to connect a printer directly to the SL40; nor is it possible to print via computer at this time (the computer connection is still under development); it is not possible to connect to scan module or any alternative access methods such as alternative keyboard.

  Q8. What accessories are available?
  A8. Wheelchair mounts, carry straps and handles, car charger are the main accessories. The carry bag supplied with the unit is the type that would contain the unit with charger and Manual if required. The user cannot operate the LightWRITER while it is in this bag. It is designed for carrying the unit and accessories from place to place. A user carry-bag is now available.

  Q9. What is supplied with the SL40?
  A9. The SL40 is supplied with a carry bag, three KEYGUARDs for three configurations (keys, recessed, raised and flush with surround), a tool for changing the keyguards, manual, user guides and charger. The unit will be configured with both American and British English Acapela male and female speech synthesisers – so and users can choose the voice of their preference. The only option that needs to be stipulated on the order is whether the unit should be black or white. The black is a charcoal or very dark grey.

  Q10. Is Australian voice available?
  A10 No, and unlikely to be available.