features
The main features of the Macaw are:
- it's facility for storing levels for easy change between message sets. Macaw 5s have 32 levels, Green Macaws have 63 levels. The user may have access to a large number of phrases or messages, or many simple message sets.
- the number and size of keys can be readily changed to suit people with varying visual, physical and cognitive abilities. Different levels can be set to different key patterns, making the unit flexible as a shared device or resource device for evaluation by therapists, or for an individual with various needs.
- it's durability and reliability.
- it's longevity is testimony to the success of it's design and functionality. The first macaw was available in 1989. Improvements in it's operation have been the only changes to the base design. See the models table to compare the features within the family.
To summarize | the models all operate identically. The only differences are the number of levels, the amount of recording time/memory and the physical size of the keyboard. The Macaw 5 (and their equivalent previous base models) have proven to be the most popular models, followed by the Green Macaw. For additional assistance choosing between the models refer to the Model Selection Guide
specifications
Macaw 5s and Greens have:
- wedge shape | [front height 1.3 cm (1/2 in) and back height 6.35 cm (2-1/2 in)]
- keyboard size | 29.2 cm (11-1/2 in) wide by 19.7 cm (7-3/4 in) high
- weight | 0.9 kg
- keys require | 114 gm of force
- function keys | require 228 gm of force
- keys | 4 x 8 pattern, 3.2 cm square between centres / 2.9 cm square
- enlarged-key patterns | 2 x 1, 4 x 1, 2 x 2, 4 x 2, 4 x 4
- rigid handle
- an internal microphone
- a 7.6 cm (3 in) internal speaker
- user accessible functions from the keyboard: Talk/Repeat Strings Silent Selection of Message Volume Control Levels Adjustable volume control
- a transparent keypad cover to protect overlays
- variety of mounting system options
- message Retrieval systems of: Single key String Messages (using silent and/or spoken selections) Dynamic Levels Key Link
- power: 20 hours continuous output on full charge 12 hours continuous use when scanning 4 hours charge time rechargeable nickel-metal hydride or alkaline batteries purchased locally
- 'no dead spaces' on keyboard
- power OFF without losing recordings
- battery level indication
- recording time remaining indicator
- facility to move or delete message
- computer transfer of messages for back-up or download
- auditory scanning (with cueing) and earphone if desired visual scanning modes for one or multiple switches and MORE!!
The Green Macaw is identical in operation to the Macaw 5, however it has a maximum of 128 keys and 63 levels.
The DACtyl Macaw is identical in operation to the Green Macaw. It has an oversized keyboard measuring 25 cm x 38 cm. Weight: 1.8 kg Keys: 19 mm x 19 mm. The image below shows the relative size of the larger DACtyl and the Green Macaw.
The macaw has 2 modes:
- PLAY this mode is for the 'user'. The messages are selected and spoken when the 'user' selects a key either by pressing it directly, or by using a switch (or switches) with scanning (or coded access) or joystick. The messages are usually represented with a paper overlay which may display pictures, photos, graphics or words.
- RECORD the programming mode is for the 'support' people who will be setting up the device for the 'user'. In this mode the support person can change the size of the keys, record the messages, activate scanning and other accessing settings, choose a mode for changing levels and many other operations.
The word ZYGODACTYL means 'toes arranged with 2 facing forward and 2 facing backwards'. Parrots are zygodactyl.