Typically there are only several actions you can take to trouble-shoot a LightWRITER. If these don't work then the problem is likely to be technical and the technician will need to see the unit. Please see REPAIRS for details.

The possible trouble-shooting strategies are:

• returning the settings to factory default
• resetting the unit
• charging the unit
• cleaning the keyboard to eliminate debris
• return the memories to factory default

The following questions should help guide you to the most suitable action.

• Can you turn the LightWRITER ON ? NO it's dead.
• Has is been recently charged for at least 13 hours ? (If not please try this prior to phoning and then try the reset detailed here).
• Was the charger used the correct charger for the LightWRITER ? If not damage may have been caused requiring technical attention (please ring).
• Did the green LED (small light) next to the charging jack illuminate when the power was turned on? If not the charger may not work and should be replaced (please ring) or there may be a technical fault with the charging circuitry which will require a repair (please ring).
• Did you try a RESET while it was plugged into the mains power?

To RESET....plug the unit into the mains power using ONLY the supplied charger (plug pack). Hold down the OFF key on the LightWRITER for at least 20 seconds. Release the key and wait. The LightWRITER should display a resetting sequence which may take around one minute to complete. After this charge the unit for at least 13 hours.

YES .... I can turn the LightWRITER ON but there is a problem.

LightWRITER can be turned on, but:

• the display illuminates but there is no flashing cursor. TRY the reset outlined above.
• jargon is displayed / random or intermittent text appears in the display. Most likely a technical fault, but try the reset, and charging and check that the keys operate freely and are not jammed withe debris.
• when the keys are pressed nothing happens. The TREMOR settings, or ANNOUNCE functions may have been activated inadvertently. Try holding down the key for longer than usual. Does the key press now work? If YES, it is most likely that the TREMOR setting has been increased. Some users need this function so don't change it, unless it is not required. ANNOUNCE is for people who want to hear which key they have pressed before finalising their selection. The key speaks it's name. It will need to be pressed before being accepted as a keypress. This function can be turned on or off as desired.
• there is no speech - return the unit to FACTORY DEFAULT settings by pressing this key sequence: MEM MEM MEM ('functions' should appear in display), then L (to Load a User Group), then 0 (zero, the number from the top row - this is the factory default set-up group), then Y to confirm Yes, please load the group. The 'factory default' settings will be re-loaded in case someone has changed settings causing the speech to stop working.
• one character appears stuck in the display, or the unit keeps resetting. This may be due to a key being physically stuck due to debris in the keyboard. Follow the instructions to clean the keyboard - taking great care. If the problem persists after the cleaning it may be a more serious technical fault. Before cleaning, remove the keyboard surround or keyguard - and test the unit without the surround or keyguard in place. If it is working okay now, the problem is most likely to have been caused by a physical issue with the keys. Continue with the cleaning procedure.

LightWRITER instructions for:

[All files are PDF downloads requiring Acrobat Reader ]

• LightWRITER SL35, 38, 5, 55, 56 and 87
  • cleaning the light-touch keyboard
  • changing the keyboard between ABCD and QWERTY layout (not for SL5 and SL55)
  • keyboard configurations (raised keys, recessed keyguards, fitting the keyguard)
  • transferring data from LightWRITER SL35 to PC
  • how to link memories