features
The large display on the SL87 can be used for scanning for switch users, or for various types of text display for keyboard users.
This picture shows the largest size text for people using the keyboard to type. This mode is not available for the scanning user.
Using the display for medium text means that two lines are displayed, rather than the usual single line display of the SL35, for example.
The display can be set to small size text, which is similar to the standard 1 cm text however multiple lines are displayed.
The display can be set to display 8 'predicted' words which are selected using the associated number key on the keyboard. "Prediction" on the LightWRITER refers to 'word completion' as the first letter must be typed, then words are displayed from a fixed dictionary.
scanning
When scanning, the large display shows the scan array, which may be set to ABCD, QWERTY or 'frequency of use' layouts. Four "predicted" words are shown on the left side of the display. 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
NOTE: if this model is to be used by an individual who needs to change between scanning and keyboard access attention may need to be paid to the positioning / mounting of the unit. It is also suggested that the modular system is considered, consisting of the SL35 LightWRITER with the scan module. For some people, positioning the two components separately may offer more flexibility.
specifications
- dimensions | 238 mm deep, 216 mm wide, 120 high
- weight | 2 kg
- power | Rechargeable Ni-MH batteries
- listener display | 19 Characters Wide Standard: Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), 1 cm high characters, back-lighted
- user display| Vacuum Fluorescent Displays (VFD), 6 mm high characters
- scan display | bright Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), with variable height text. 133 x 40 mm actual display area
- 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, in addition to 1 and 2 switch scanning
- 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
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 many features on the SL87 standard unit to assist with vision difficulties such as the SPEAK: every key or Announce features.