features
The scan display of the SL85 can be set to ABCD, QWERTY or a frequency of use layout. Four 'predicted' words are shown in the right of the display if activated in the set-ups. The 'predicted' words operate in a 'word completion' mode where the first letter must be selected then options from a fixed dictionary are displayed.
The modes of scanning are:
- automatic row/column scanning with optional auditory feedback.
- two switch step scanning with optional auditory feedback. One switch directs, the other selects.
- auditory scanning | with either beep or spoken prompts
- operates with any single switch
specifications
- dimensions | 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 (fewer hours if 1 or 2 VFDs are fitted)) - longer in normal use (see Auto-Off)
- listener and user displays | 19 Characters Wide Standard: Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), 1 cm high characters, back-lighted
- scan display | Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), 133 x 40 mm actual display area
- external 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
- display text | choose between UPPER-case only or UPPER/lower-case to the displays. Many additional symbols and accented characters
- an external switch may be used for special operations, for example: turn the unit on, recall and speak a memory, in addition to 1 and 2 switch scanning
- 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 calculator
- 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, 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.
- There are features on the SL85 standard unit to assist with vision difficulties such as auditory scanning.
- The external keyboard is supplied with the SL85. This is intended for an assistant or support person to use to change set-ups or assist with storing memories etc. It has no displays but shows what is typed on the main SL85 unit. At times this unit has been selected to provide keyboard and scanning access for an individual, however positioning and other limitations may reduce the desired functionality. To achieve a combination of keyboard and scanning access consider the SL87, the SL35 with scan module or the Polyana 4.
- If a brighter display is required, the SL87 may be more suitable.
