The Braille Lite M20-M40 User's Manual - Freedom Scientific

TThhee BBrraaiillllee LLiittee
MM2200--MM4400
UUsseerr’’ss MMaannuuaall
Freedom Scientific, Blind Low Vision Group
April 2002
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

PUBLISHED BY
Freedom Scientific BLV Group, LLC
11800 31 st Court North
St. Petersburg, Florida 33716-1805
USA
http://www.FreedomScientific.com
Information in this document is subject to change without
notice. No part of this publication may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or any means electronic or mechanical,
for any purpose, without the express written permission of
Freedom Scientific.
Copyright © 2002 Freedom Scientific, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
CompactFlash is a trademark of the CompactFlash Association
in the United States and/or other countries

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ......................................................... 1
OVERVIEW ................................................................. 3
Care of your Braille Lite M20/40........................... 3
Braille Lite Keyboard ............................................. 3
Braille Display ....................................................... 4
Advance Bar........................................................... 4
Whiz Wheels .......................................................... 4
Ports and Switches ................................................ 5
Starting the Braille Lite ......................................... 6
The Battery and Battery Charger ........................... 6
Conventions ........................................................... 8
Getting Help .......................................................... 8
Braille Lite Commands........................................... 9
Braille Display Commands..................................... 9
Navigation ........................................................... 10
The Braille Lite Menus......................................... 12
WORKING WITH FILES ............................................. 15
Opening Files....................................................... 15
Creating a File...................................................... 16
Saving Files ......................................................... 16
Renaming and Deleting Files............................... 18
Reading Files ....................................................... 18
Editing Files......................................................... 20
WORKING WITH FOLDERS........................................ 23

Creating Folders .................................................. 23
Renaming and Deleting Folders .......................... 24
CUSTOMIZING THE BRAILLE LITE ............................ 25
Customizing Speech Parameters ......................... 25
Configuring Braille Parameters ........................... 26
Configuring Edit Parameters ............................... 27
THE BRAILLE LITE UTILITIES ................................... 28
Time and Date ..................................................... 28
The Datebook ...................................................... 28
The Phonebook.................................................... 29
The Calculator...................................................... 30
NOTE TAKING .......................................................... 34
The Cursor ........................................................... 34
The Editor ............................................................ 34
Creating Files ...................................................... 35
Opening Files ...................................................... 36
Reading Text ....................................................... 36
Reading with Braille ............................................ 37
Editing Text ......................................................... 39
Append Mode ...................................................... 40
PC Edit Mode ....................................................... 40
Copying, Deleting, and Pasting ........................... 41
Copying................................................................ 41
Delete Parameters .............................................. 42
Pasting Information ............................................ 45
Find ..................................................................... 45
Find and Replace ................................................. 46
Case Sensitive Searches ...................................... 47

Global Searches ................................................... 48
Spell Check .......................................................... 51
Managing Files .................................................... 53
Memory ............................................................... 54
Folders................................................................. 54
Creating Folders .................................................. 55
Renaming and Deleting Folders .......................... 55
Moving Files ........................................................ 56
File Commands .................................................... 57
Compact Flash ..................................................... 58
THE BRAILLE LITE UTILITIES.................................... 60
The Time and Date............................................... 60
Setting the Time.................................................. 60
Setting Time Format............................................ 61
Setting Hourly Announcement............................. 62
Announcing the Date ........................................... 62
Setting the Date .................................................. 63
The Smart Calendar ............................................. 63
The Datebook....................................................... 64
The Stopwatch ..................................................... 67
The Timer ............................................................ 68
The Calculator...................................................... 68
Basic Operations.................................................. 69
Scientific Calculator Functions............................. 71
Storing and Using the Memory Locations............ 74
The Phonebook .................................................... 75

MACROS .................................................................. 81
Recording a Macro............................................... 82
Executing a Macro ............................................... 82
Speaking or Silencing Macros.............................. 82
Nesting a Macro .................................................. 83
Start-Up Macros .................................................. 83
Erasing a Macro................................................... 83
Write-Protecting a Macro .................................... 84
PRINTING AND EMBOSSING ................................... 85
Status Menu Settings.......................................... 85
Printer Compatibility ........................................... 86
Print Commands .................................................. 86
Page Numbering ................................................. 89
Document Layout................................................. 89
Formatting Commands ........................................ 90
Syntax ................................................................. 90
Attribute Marking................................................ 91
Margins and Alignment....................................... 92
Tabs..................................................................... 95
Page Numbering ................................................. 95
Headers and Footers ........................................... 97
Other Commands................................................. 98
Information Commands....................................... 99
CONNECTING TO A PERSONAL COMPUTER............100
JAWS and Connect Outloud................................100

Requirements ....................................................101
Installing WinDisk .............................................101
Braille Lite Settings...........................................101
Using WinDisk....................................................102
WinDisk Commands ...........................................103
Leaving WinDisk ................................................105
Trouble Shooting ...............................................105
The External Disk Drive .....................................105
Send Options .....................................................106
Receiving from the Disk Drive ...........................107
E-MAIL...................................................................108
E-mail Configuration..........................................108
Running the Configuration Wizard.....................109
Changing E-mail Configurations ........................110
Checking for new E-mail ....................................110
Reading E-mail ..................................................111
Mailbox Commands ...........................................111
E-mail Parameters.............................................116
CARE AND MAINTENANCE .....................................118
Resetting the Braille Lite...................................118
Warm Reset .......................................................118
Cold Reset..........................................................119
Hardware Reset .................................................120
Updating the Firmware......................................120

Getting Started..................................................121
Using the Disk Drive..........................................121
Using WinDisk ...................................................123
Starting the Update...........................................124
APPENDIX A: THE FILE MENU................................129
Navigation .........................................................129
General..............................................................130
Information .......................................................131
Other .................................................................132
File Transfers.....................................................132
External Programs.............................................133
Folders ..............................................................133
APPENDIX B: THE OPTIONS MENU........................136
APPENDIX C: THE STATUS MENU .........................139
Navigation .........................................................139
Serial Parameters..............................................139
Speech Parameters ...........................................142
Braille Display Parameters................................142
Editor Parameters .............................................143
Format Parameters............................................144
System Parameters ...........................................145

APPENDIX D: FAQ’S ..............................................147
APPENDIX E: ASCII BRAILLE SYMBOLS.................163
APPENDIX F: CONTACT INFORMATION.................172
INDEX ....................................................................173

GGeettttiinngg
SSttaarrtteedd

Introduction
The Braille Lite is a notetaker and a personal
digital assistant that has a built-in speech
synthesizer, an 8 dot Perkins style keyboard,
either a 20 or 40 cell Braille display, and built in
applications such as datebook, phonebook, and
calculator. This notetaker can go anywhere, link
to a full computer, remind you of appointments
and much more. Use it to create documents,
organize your schedule, maintain contacts, and
transfer information to and from your PC.
This user’s manual is organized into the
following sections:
• Getting Started contains introductory
information, and all you need to know to
quickly get up and running with your Braille
Lite.
• Using the Braille Lite contains detailed
information on the main features of the
Braille Lite, including the Braille Lite Editor
and utilities.
• Advanced Features contains information on
the most advanced functions of the Braille
Lite, including macros and connecting the
Braille Lite to other devices.

• The appendices contain reference information
to provide you quick access to essential
information.
2 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Overview
The M20 and M40 Braille Lite notetakers have
new programmable Whiz Wheels that scroll by
line, by sentence, or by paragraph. The Whiz
Wheels also have tactile bumps, which indicate
your movement through a document.
The Braille Lite provides speech output through
an internal synthesizer, and Braille output
through a 20 or 40 refreshable cell Braille
display. The Braille Lite has 2 megabytes of
RAM (Random Access Memory), 12 megabytes
of read only flash memory and accepts standard
CompactFlash memory cards.
Care of your Braille Lite M20/40
For best care of your Braille Lite M20/40, store
your unit in a dry place, avoid operating the unit
around liquids or food, and always operate the
unit with dry, clean hands.
Braille Lite Keyboard
The standard 8-dot Braille keyboard represents
the dots in a Braille cell. It is laid out in the
following order from left to right; 7, 3, 2, 1, 4,
5, 6, and 8. Below these keys, in the center of
the Braille Lite, is the spacebar. When you press
the spacebar in combination with other keys you
create a chord.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 3

Braille Display
The Braille Lite has either a twenty or forty
refreshable cell Braille display. The number of
cells your unit has depends on the model you
purchased. The M20 has 20 cells and the M40
has 40 cells. The Braille display, located below
the keyboard, has cursor routing buttons above
each cell, which when pressed, places the cursor
at that specific cell’s location. Specific to the
M40 are raised locator dots, which are above
cells five, ten, fifteen, twenty, twenty-five,
thirty, and thirty-five. These raised dots help
you locate a cell quickly.
Advance Bar
Depending on your Braille Lite model, there is
either one advance bar (M20) or two advance
bars (M40). The advance bars allow you to move
through your files one display length at a time.
Press the right end of an advance bar to move
forward by 20 or 40 cells. Press the left end of
an advance bar to move back 20 or 40 cells. In
either case, the display wraps to the next or
previous line of text after it reaches the end or
beginning of a text line.
Whiz Wheels
The Whiz Wheels are a new feature to the
Millennium Series. They allow you to scroll
among the different Braille Lite menus and they
4 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

allow you to scroll text by line, by sentence, and
by paragraph. To program the scrolling feature,
open or create a file, and press the right and left
Whiz Wheel down for line, sentence, or
paragraph
Ports and Switches
Braille Lite M20
The Braille Lite On/Off switch is on the right
edge of the unit. Toggle the switch towards the
back of the system to turn on the Braille Lite. A
similar switch called the Braille Display Mode
switch is on the left side of the system. This
switch toggles the Braille Lite between
Notetaker and Braille Display Mode. Leave the
switch toggled toward the back of the system to
use the Braille Lite as a Notetaker, and toggle
the switch toward the front of the system to use
the Braille Lite as a Braille display with your PC
and screen access software.
In front of the On/Off switch is a PS2-style
serial port. This type of port will attach a
computer keyboard or other external devices.
Just in back the On/Off switch is an Earphone
Jack. This jack can also connect an external
speaker or a tape recorder.
On the backside of the Braille Lite M20/40 is a
Compact Flash port (add-on memory), a modem
port, and a parallel port.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 5

On the left side of the unit in back of the Braille
Display Mode switch is the AC Adapter jack and
just in front of this switch is another PS2-style
serial port.
Braille Lite M40
Orient your Braille Lite so that the Braille
display is closest to you. On the right side of the
unit is the On/Off switch. Toggle the switch
towards the back of the unit to turn on the
Braille Lite. A similar switch, called the Braille
Display Mode switch, is on the left side of the
unit. This switch toggles the Braille Lite between
Notetaker and Braille Display Mode. Leave the
switch toggled toward the back of the system to
use the Braille Lite as a notetaker. Toggle the
switch toward the front of the system to use the
Braille Lite as a Braille display with your PC and
screen access software.
On the back side of the unit, from left to right,
are the following jack, buttons, and ports:
• The AC adapter jack – connects the 12 volt
battery recharger that is supplied with the
unit.
• Two serial ports - these ports allow you to
simultaneously attach two external devices
such as a personal computer (PC), a digital
Braille display and/or a disk drive.
6 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Note: For external devices to work properly
please use the appropriate cables that
Freedom Scientific manufactures.
• Two PS2-style serial ports – these ports have
been made available for future expansions.
• One parallel port – attaches any standard
printer or embosser.
• A recessed hardware reboot button
• A recessed hardware reset button
Note: Please avoid pressing either the
recessed hardware reboot button or
the recessed hardware reset button
unless specifically instructed by
Freedom Scientific’s technical support
team.
• A Compact Flash port (add-on memory)
• An earphone jack - this jack can also connect
an external speaker or a tape recorder.
On the left side of the unit, from front to back,
is the Braille Display Mode switch and the
modem port.
Starting the Braille Lite
When you start the Braille Lite for the first time
you hear the prompt, "Braille Lite ready, help is
open." This prompt is telling you that the Help
File is open. Use the Whiz Wheels to scroll and
display the contents of this file.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 7

The Battery and AC Charger
A Lithium ion battery powers the Braille Lite
M20/40. This battery does not build up memory
and can be charged as often as you like without
affecting battery life or the number of hours on
each recharge cycle. It is not necessary to fully
discharge the battery before recharging the unit.
When you first start the Braille Lite, the battery
should be charged and ready to work. If the
Braille Lite does not turn on, connect the battery
charger to the unit and plug the AC adapter to
the wall outlet to charge the battery. A unit
battery charger is included with the purchase of
your Braille Lite.
If you run your Braille Lite to the point that it
becomes inoperable, leave the charger plugged
in for at least one full minute before restarting
the unit.
Regardless of the amount of battery charge
remaining, it takes four hours to recharge the
Braille Lite battery and there is no danger of
overcharging the unit. Once charged, the unit
operates for approximately thirty hours. When
the battery needs recharging, you will receive a
“Battery Low” message.
WARNING: This unit should only be charged
using the supplied battery
charger. Use of any other adapter
may damage the unit and
8 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

possibly void any existing
warranty or service contract.
Your Braille Lite has a built in rechargeable cell.
This cell only works when the main battery is
dead and holds memory for about 2 weeks after
which the memory is lost. For this reason it is
important to recharge your main battery
frequently.
To alert you that you have left your unit on for 5
minutes without pressing a key, the Braille Lite
announces, “Hello.” If the speech is turned off,
the unit will beep.
Gas Gage
Another feature added to the M20/40 software
is the “Gas Gage.” This feature monitors your
activity and counts the absolute minutes that
the unit is on whether it is plugged in or not.
The gas gage starts at a 100% when manually
reset and decreases by percentage according to
the activities being performed and the duration
of those activities. To find out the percentage of
residual battery time, enter the Status Menu
with an ST-SIGN CHORD (DOTS 3-4 CHORD) and
press DOTS 1-4-6.
Note: For an accurate reading, you must
reset the “Gas Gage” each time you
recharge your unit. To reset the “Gas
Gage” enter the Status Menu (DOTS 3-
4 CHORD), and press a TH-SIGN
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 9

Conventions
CHORD, SPACEBAR, Y (DOTS 1-4-5-6
CHORD, SPACEBAR, DOTS 1-3-4-5-6).
This manual specifies keyboard commands in
the following manner.
• The word CHORD means press the spacebar at
the same time as the listed Braille character.
For example: to form an E-CHORD, press the
spacebar simultaneously with DOTS 1 and 5.
• The term toggle means that a key used in
combination with the spacebar will turn a
particular feature on or off.
• Keys to be pressed are capitalized and are in
BOLD.
• Keys pressed simultaneously are indicated
with a MINUS (-) sign joining the keys.
• The phrase “(Y,N)” means that you should
choose Y for yes or N for no.
• Keys pressed one after the other are
separated by a COMMA (,).
For example, "Press ST-SIGN CHORD, S-CHORD,
SPACEBAR to toggle speech on or off."
Getting Help
There are several methods for getting help when
using your Braille Lite.
10 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Onboard Help
You can access the Help File from within any
file. Press ? CHORD (DOTS 1-4-5-6 CHORD) to
access the Braille Lite’s Onboard Help File.
The Braille Lite User’s Manual
The User’s Manual is also available in the File
Menu of your Braille Lite. Press O-CHORD, F
(DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-2-4) to access the
File Menu and use the Whiz Wheels to locate the
file. When you have located the file, press E-
CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to open the file.
Technical Support
Ongoing Technical Support is available for those
user’s who purchase and register their
notetaker. Before calling Technical Support,
please visit our website at
http://www.FreedomScientific.com or email us at
HardwareSupport@FreedomScientific.com. Our
Technical Support phone number is (727) 803-
8600. When calling Technical Support, please
have your notetaker serial number ready.
Website
Freedom Scientific has an Internet website that
has additional sources of technical support and
information. You can use your computer and
modem to download software programs,
technical bulletins, and product updates from
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 11

these sources. You can find the Freedom
Scientific website at
http://www.FreedomScientific.com.
Braille Lite Commands
“Chording” produces almost all of the Braille
Lite commands. This term refers to pressing the
spacebar in conjunction with other Braille dot
keys. This feature is similar to pressing the CTRL
key along with other keys on a computer
keyboard.
Using a letter in combination with pressing the
Advance Bar toggles features on or off.
Braille Display Commands
Move display right
20/40 characters Tap right end
of advance bar
Move display left
20/40 characters Tap left end
of advance bar
Scroll Braille display
(must have speech
turned off) ER-SIGN CHORD
(DOTS 1-2-4-5-6
CHORD)
Stop scrolling any CHORD
Scroll display faster DOT 5
12 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Scroll display slower DOT 2
Navigation
The following keystrokes navigate documents,
menus, and submenus.
Backward one line DOT 1 CHORD
Forward one line DOT 4 CHORD
Backward one word DOT 2 CHORD
Forward one word DOT 5 CHORD
Backward one character DOT 3 CHORD
Forward one character DOT 6 CHORD
Back one paragraph DOTS 2-3 CHORD
Forward one paragraph DOTS 5-6 CHORD
Move Commands
The Move command (# CHORD) (DOTS 3-4-5-6
CHORD) lets you navigate files by a specific
parameter. After pressing # CHORD (DOTS 3-4-
5-6 CHORD), press DOT 4 CHORD to move
through the menu choices, or use the access
keys listed below.
Absolute Page (A)
After selecting this parameter, specify the
number of units you want to move, counted
from the top of the file. Specify 0 to determine
the total number of absolute pages in the file.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 13

Braille Page (B)
After selecting this parameter, specify the
number of units you want to move, counted
from the top of the file. Specify 0 to determine
the total number of Braille pages in the file.
Character (C)
After selecting this parameter, specify the
number of units you want to move from the top
of the file. Include a PLUS SIGN (+) before the
number to move forward the specified number
of units from the cursor location. Use a MINUS
SIGN (-) before the number to move backward
the specified number of units from the cursor
location. Specify 0 to determine the total
number of characters in the file.
Line (L)
After selecting this parameter, specify the
number of units you want to move from the top
of the file. Include a PLUS SIGN (+) before the
number to move forward the specified number
of units from the cursor location. Include a
MINUS SIGN (-) before the number to move
backward the specified number of units from the
cursor location. Specify 0 to determine the total
number of lines in the file.
Mark (M)
14 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Use this parameter if you have previously set a
mark (M-CHORD) in your file, and want to move
back to the location of that mark.
Print Page (P)
After selecting this parameter, specify the
number of units you want to move, counted
from the top of the file. Specify 0 to determine
the total number of print pages in the file.
Word (W)
After selecting this parameter, specify the
number of units you want to move from the top
of the file. Include a PLUS SIGN (+) before the
number to move forward the specified number
of units from the cursor location. Include a
MINUS SIGN (-) before the number to move
backward the specified number of units from the
cursor location. Specify 0 to determine the total
number of words in the file.
The Braille Lite Menus
The Braille Lite M20/40 has several menus that
access options and configure settings.
File Menu (O-CHORD, F)
(DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-2-4)
Organizes work in files.
Disk Drive Storage (S-CHORD)
(DOTS 2-3-4 CHORD)
Transfers files to an external disk drive.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 15

Options Menu (O-CHORD)(DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD)
Accesses built in applications.
• To move through the options, press the letter
to select your choice or move through the
choices using @ CHORD (DOT 4 CHORD) to
move forward or A-CHORD (DOT 1 CHORD) to
move backward.
• Go to the first choice with L-CHORD (DOTS 1-
2-3 CHORD) or go to the last choice with
DOTS 4-5-6 CHORD.
• Press a C-CHORD (DOTS 1-4 CHORD) to hear a
current selection.
• Press an E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to
"enter" or "execute" a command.
• To cancel the process or exit a menu, press a
Z-CHORD (DOTS 1-3-5-6 CHORD).
Status Menu (ST-SIGN CHORD)
(DOTS 3-4 CHORD)
Configures Braille Lite settings.
• To move through the Status Menu, press DOT
4 CHORD or DOT 1 CHORD.
• To move forward, press DOTS 5-6 CHORD.
• To move backward press DOTS 2-3 CHORD.
• To skip to the last choice, press DOTS 4-5-6
CHORD.
• Press the SPACEBAR to turn an option on or
off.
16 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

• To exit the Status Menu & save current
settings, press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD)
or Z-CHORD (DOTS 1-3-5-6 CHORD).
Speech Parameters (AR-SIGN CHORD)
(DOTS 3-4-5 CHORD)
Sets speech parameters.
• For softer volume, press DOT 1.
• For louder volume, press DOT 4.
• For slower speed, press DOT 3.
• For faster speed, press DOT 6.
• To move backward through voices, press
DOT 2.
• To move forward through voices, press
DOT 5.
• To cancel punctuation, press Z
(DOTS 1-3-5-6).
• To announce some punctuation, press S
(DOTS 2-3-4).
• To announce most punctuation, press M
(DOTS 1-3-4).
• To exit the Speech Parameters Menu and save
current settings, press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5
CHORD) or Z-CHORD (DOTS 1-3-5-6 CHORD).
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 17

Working with Files
The Braille Lite M20/40 provides a full range of
features for working with files. You can create,
edit, rename, move, and delete files.
There are Braille Lite files that are loaded on
your unit from the factory.
• The Help File contains a summary of the
commands you use to operate the Braille Lite.
• The Clipboard File is used to temporarily hold
blocks of text so that it can be copied or
moved to another location in a document.
• The Datebook File is used to store scheduled
appointments.
• The spelling dictionary program is loaded in a
file called Spell.dic.
Opening Files
To open an existing file:
• O-CHORD, F (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-2-
4) you will hear, "Enter file command.”
• Type O (DOTS 1-3-5) for open and then the
“name of file,” followed by E-CHORD (DOTS 1-
5 CHORD).
18 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Creating a File
To create a new file:
• Type O-CHORD, F, (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD, DOTS
1-2-4) you will hear, "Enter file command.”
• Type C (DOTS 1-4) for create, you will be
prompted for the name of the file. Type the
name and then press E-CHORD. (DOTS 1-5
CHORD)
• Braille Lite says, “Name of File” is open.
Note: Braille Lite filenames can be a
maximum of 20 characters, however,
if you are using a DOS based transfer
utility or an external disk drive to
move files to a PC or send them via email,
it is recommended that you use
the MS-DOS 8.3 digit format.
Saving Files
If you name a file with a .brl, .bfm, or
.brf extension, the Braille Lite will turn
on Grade 2 Braille automatically.
Braille Lite M20/40 automatically saves the text
in your file whether you open another file or turn
off the Braille Lite. If you have a file open and
you turn off your Braille Lite, the next time you
start your notetaker it opens and announces the
file you were last in.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 19

Renaming and Deleting Files
From the Files Menu type R (DOTS 1-2-3-5) for
rename and D (DOTS 1-4-5) to delete a file.
Reading Files
Files are read by character, word, line, or
paragraphs. The available reading commands
are as follows:
To read by character:
• Next character DOT 6 CHORD
• Previous character DOT 3 CHORD
• Current character DOTS 3-6 CHORD
• Current character
phonetically DOTS 3-6 CHORD,
twice
To read by word:
• Next word DOT 5 CHORD
• Previous word DOT 2 CHORD
• Current word DOTS 2-5 CHORD
• Spell current
word DOTS 2-5 CHORD,
twice
To read by line:
• Next line DOT 4 CHORD
• Previous line DOT 1 CHORD
• Current line DOTS 1-4 CHORD
20 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

• To move quickly through a file:
• Forward one
paragraph DOTS 5-6 CHORD
• Back one
paragraph DOTS 2-3 CHORD
• Beginning of file DOTS 1-2-3
CHORD
• End of file DOTS 4-5-6
CHORD
• Read from cursor
to the end of the
file DOTS 1-2-4-5-6
CHORD
• Silence Speech DOTS 1-5 CHORD
Note: While most chords have set
definitions, the chords DOT 1 and DOT
4 have three definitions. DOT 1 CHORD
and DOT 4 CHORD can be set to move
by line, by sentence, or by window. To
set the definitions, enter the Status
Menu and press V (DOTS 1-2-3-6),
Spacebar.
Editing Files
In the Append Mode, which is the default
setting, anything you type is added to the end of
your file. This allows you to take notes quickly.
While in the Append Mode, you need to specify
when you want to insert or overwrite text.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 21

• To insert text at the cursor location within the
file, press I-CHORD (DOTS 2-4 CHORD), type
in the text, and press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5
CHORD).
• To overwrite one character at the cursor
location, press OW-SIGN CHORD (DOTS 2-4-6
CHORD).
• To continuously overwrite text from the cursor
location, press OW-SIGN CHORD (DOTS 2-4-6
CHORD) twice, type in the new text, and press
OW-SIGN CHORD (DOTS 2-4-6 CHORD) again.
• To delete a character at the cursor location,
press D-CHORD (DOTS 1-4-5 CHORD) twice.
• To delete multiple characters, press D-
CHORD, C (DOTS 1-4-5 CHORD, DOTS1-4)
plus the number of characters (up to 255),
then press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to
move the deleted text to the clipboard,
replacing any text already in the clipboard.
Press ING-SIGN CHORD (DOTS 3-4-6 CHORD)
instead of E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to
append the deleted text to that already in the
clipboard.
This same process can be applied to words,
sentences, and paragraphs. For example, D-
CHORD, W5, E-CHORD (DOTS 1-4-5 CHORD,
DOTS 2-4-5-6 2-6, DOTS 1-5 CHORD) deletes
five words from the cursor location forward, and
places that text on the clipboard. D-CHORD, P3,
ING-SIGN CHORD (DOT 1-4-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-
22 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

2-3-4 2-5, DOTS 3-4-6 CHORD) deletes three
paragraphs and appends the paragraphs to text
already on the clipboard.
Text can also be copied or appended to the
clipboard without deleting the existing text.
1. Move the cursor to the beginning of the
text and press M-CHORD (DOTS 1-3-4
CHORD) to mark the location.
2. Move the cursor to the end of the text and
press GH-SIGN CHORD (DOTS 1-2-6
CHORD).
3. Press C (DOTS 1-4) to copy the text to the
clipboard, or A (DOT 1) to append the text
to that already in the clipboard.
To paste information at the cursor location,
press ING-SIGN CHORD (DOTS 3-4-6 CHORD).
You are prompted to specify what information to
paste. Press C (DOTS 1-4) to paste the clipboard
contents, D (DOTS 1-4-5) to paste the date, or T
(DOTS 2-3-4-5) to paste the time.
To find text within a file, press F-CHORD (DOTS
1-2-4 CHORD), type in the text, and press F-
CHORD (DOTS 1-2-4 CHORD) again.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 23

Working with Folders
The Braille Lite provides Folder Mode to assist
you in organizing your files. In order to create
and use folders, the Allow Folder Mode must be
enabled in the Status Menu. Press ST-SIGN
CHORD, F-CHORD, Y (DOTS 3-4 CHORD, DOTS 1-
2-4 CHORD, DOTS 1-3-4-5-6) to enable Allow
Folder Mode, and press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5
CHORD) to exit the Status Menu.
The File Menu provides two options:
• All Files Mode
• Folder Mode.
Press SPACEBAR to toggle between these
options.
When in Folder Mode, press DOTS 5-6 CHORD or
DOTS 2-3 CHORD to move between folders, and
then press DOT 4 CHORD or DOT 1 CHORD to
move through the files in the current folder.
RAM startup and Flash Startup are the default
folders.
Creating Folders
To create folders, you must be in the File Menu
in the Folder Mode. Press DOTS 3-4-6 CHORD,
type the folder name and press E-CHORD (DOTS
1-5 CHORD), then press R (DOTS 1-2-3-5) for
RAM or F (DOTS 1-2-4) for Flash to store the
folder. Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to
24 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

exit the File Menu. You can create up to 20
folders.
Note: Files are created and edited in RAM;
files cannot be created or edited in
Flash.
Renaming and Deleting Folders
To rename a folder, press O-CHORD, F (DOTS 1-
3-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-2-4), move to the folder
and press DOTS 1-6 CHORD. Type in the new
folder name and press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5
CHORD).
To delete a folder, press O-CHORD, F (DOTS 1-
3-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-2-4). To move the folder,
press DOTS 3-6.
Note: Only empty folders can be deleted.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 25

Customizing the Braille Lite
Many features within the Braille Lite can be
custom configured. This section discusses
customizing speech parameters, Braille display
parameters, and editing parameters.
Customizing Speech Parameters
To access the Speech Parameters Menu, press
AR-SIGN CHORD (DOTS 3-4-5 CHORD). The
following options can be adjusted while in
Speech Parameters. Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5
CHORD) after making changes to exit the
Speech Parameters Menu.
You can choose between eight voices. Press DOT
2 CHORD or DOT 5 CHORD to cycle through
them. The voices are: Perfect Paul, Vader, Big
Bob, Precise Pete, Ricochet Randy, Biff, Skip,
and Robo Robert.
To adjust volume, press DOT 1 CHORD or DOT 4
CHORD. To adjust the rate of speech, press the
DOT 3 CHORD or DOT 6 CHORD.
Press N (DOTS 1-3-4-5) to toggle the Braille
Lite between reading numbers as full numbers
or as a series of single digits. For example, 121
can be read as "one hundred twenty one" or
"one two one."
Press SPACEBAR to set the Braille Lite to echo
keyboard activity:
26 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

• Key Click - Typed keys click as they are
pressed.
• Silent Keys - There is no auditory indication
when keys are pressed.
• Key Echo - Each character is spoken as it is
pressed.
• Key Echo Words – Each word is spoken after it
is typed and the spacebar is pressed.
To specify the amount of punctuation spoken,
press Z (DOTS1-3-4-6) for none, S (DOTS 2-3-
4) for Some, M (DOT 1-3-4) for most, or T
(DOTS 2-3-4-5) for total.
Speech can be turned off from the Status Menu.
To toggle speech on or off, press ST-SIGN
CHORD, S-CHORD, SPACEBAR, E-CHORD (DOTS
3-4 CHORD, DOTS 2-3-4 CHORD, SPACEBAR,
DOTS 1-5 CHORD).
Voice Shift
In addition to Braille feedback, PC Edit now has
Voice Shift feedback. Voice Shift reflects
whether you’re in Append, Insert, or Overwrite
Mode. With Append Mode the shift remains
standard; with Insert Mode the shift goes up;
and with Overwrite Mode the shift goes down.
To use Voice Shift:
1. Enter the Status Menu with an ST-SIGN
CHORD.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 27

2. Turn PC Edit on by pressing DOTS 1-2-4-6
and if necessary use the SPACEBAR to cycle
through the options.
3. Exit the Status Menu with an E-CHORD.
4. Enter Speech Parameters with an AR-SIGN
CHORD.
5. Type DOTS 1-4-6.
6. Use Dropped Numbers, 0 through 6, to set
the shift variation: with 0 having no shift
variation and 6 having the greatest shift
variation.
7. Press E-CHORD once to enter Speech
Parameters, twice to exit out of this
parameter.
Voice Inflection
The inflection ranges available are from 0
(monotone) to 9. In this build of firmware, Voice
Inflection is on by default. To adjust Voice
Inflection, enter Speech Parameters (AR-SIGN
CHORD) and adjust the inflection you hear using
DOTS 1-3 (decreases) and DOTS 4-6
(increases).
To turn Voice Inflection off, enter the Status
Menu (ST-SIGN CHORD) and press I. Then press
the SPACEBAR. The Braille Lite remembers the
last adjusted setting, regardless of whether you
turn Voice Inflection on or off in the Status
Menu. You can also adjust the inflection setting
while Voice Inflection is turned off, but the new
28 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

setting will not take effect until you turn Voice
Inflection back on in the Status Menu.
Note: Be sure to point to an item other than
PC Edit when pressing I in the Status
Menu.
Voice Pitch
You can adjust voice pitch. After entering
Speech Parameters, use DOTS 2-3 (decreases)
or DOTS 5-6 (increases) to adjust the voice
pitch.
Line Breaks
Press L to toggle between Speak to “End of
Line” or “End of Sentence” (line is default).
Speak to End of Line pauses for punctuation
and/or line breaks; Speak to End of Sentence
pauses for punctuation, but not for line breaks.
You might use Speak to End of Line for reading
the help file, for example, and Speak to End of
Sentence for reading a novel.
Preset Voices
You can preset five voices using all available
Speech Parameters. Press DOTS 2-3 CHORD or
DOTS 5-6 CHORD to select a voice number (i.e.,
voice number 1, voice number 2…) then use the
different parameters to customize the voice.
When you are ready or are in a situation where
you need a different voice, press a Y-CHORD and
the voice number (in dropped numbers) from
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 29

within any file. The M20/40 automatically
implements your preset voice. This feature is
useful when you’re in and out of noisy and/or
quiet environments or if you like to read at one
speech rate and edit in another.
Configuring Braille Parameters
The Braille Lite can display information in Grade
2 Braille or in Computer Braille. To toggle
display of text in files between Grade 2 Braille
and Computer Braille, press ST-SIGN CHORD,
DROPPED NUMBER 7, SPACEBAR (DOTS 3-4
CHORD, DOTS 2-3-5-6 CHORD, SPACEBAR). To
toggle display of system messages and menus
between Grade 2 Braille and Computer Braille,
press ST-SIGN CHORD, G-CHORD, SPACEBAR
(DOTS 3-4 CHORD, DOTS 1-2-4-5 CHORD,
SPACEBAR).
To display control characters such as carriage
returns, press ST-SIGN CHORD, X-CHORD, Y
(DOTS 3-4 CHORD, DOTS 1-3-4-6 CHORD, DOTS
1-3-4-5-6). To wrap lines to less than 40
characters, press ST-SIGN CHORD, W-CHORD, Y
(DOTS 3-4 CHORD, DOTS 2-4-5-6 CHORD, DOTS
1-3-4-5-6).
Configuring Edit Parameters
The Braille Lite defaults to Append Mode,
however, it can also be set to function in the
same manner as a word processing application
on a computer. To set the PC Edit Mode, press
30 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

ST-SIGN CHORD, $, I (DOTS 3-4 CHORD, DOTS
1-2-4-6, DOTS 2-4) then press the SPACEBAR
to toggle through the options. Once you set this
option, the Braille Lite defaults to Insert Mode
when you start it. While in Insert Mode, press I-
CHORD (DOTS 2-4 CHORD) from within any RAM
file to toggle between Append, Overwrite, and
Insert modes.
By default, the Braille Lite does not display the
presence of blank lines. To have the Braille Lite
show blank lines, press ST-SIGN CHORD, &, N
(DOTS 3-4 CHORD, DOTS 1-2-3-4-6, DOTS 1-3-
4-5).
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 31

The Braille Lite Utilities
The Braille Lite includes a Clock, Calendar,
Datebook, Phonebook, and Calculator.
Time and Date
To check the time, press O-CHORD, T (DOTS 1-
3-5 CHORD, DOTS 2-3-4-5). To set the time,
press O-CHORD, S, T (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD, DOTS
2-3-4, 2-3-4-5) and enter the time in the
format HHMM. You are prompted to enter A for
a.m. or P for p.m., if you are using American,
12-hour time. The time takes effect
immediately if you are using European, 24-hour
time.
To use American 12-hour time format, press O-
CHORD, S, 1 (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD, DOTS 2-3-4,
DOT 2). To use European 24-hour time format,
press O-CHORD, S, 2 (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD, DOTS
2-3-4, DOTS 2-3).
To check the date, press O-CHORD, D (DOTS 1-
3-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-4-5). To set the date, press
O-CHORD, S, D (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD, DOTS 2-3-
4, DOTS 1-4-5) and type in the date in the
format MMDDYYYY, and press E-CHORD (DOTS
1-5 CHORD).
32 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

The Datebook
To enter an appointment into the Datebook,
press O-CHORD, E (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-
5) and type the date of the appointment in
MMDDYYYY format. Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5
CHORD) and type in the appointment
information. Then press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5
CHORD) again.
Press O-CHORD, A (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD, DOT 1)
to check the current day's appointments.
To set automatic appointment notification, press
ST-SIGN CHORD, J, Y (DOTS 3-4 CHORD, DOTS
2-4-5, 1-3-4-5-6). Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5
CHORD) to leave the Status Menu.
The Phonebook
To add an entry to the Phonebook, press O-
CHORD, P (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-2-3-4).
Each field name is announced. Type in the
information for each field and press E-CHORD
(DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to move to the next field.
Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) in a
comment field when finished.
To open the phonebook, press O-CHORD, P-
CHORD (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-2-3-4
CHORD). Press DOTS 5-6 CHORD or DOTS 2-3
CHORD) to move through the phonebook by
entry. The name for each entry is indicated.
Once the desired entry is found, press the DOT 4
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 33

CHORD or DOT 1 CHORD to move through the
information.
The Calculator
The Braille Lite calculator is very robust with
both standard and scientific functions. To open
the Calculator, press O-CHORD, C (DOTS 1-3-5
CHORD, DOTS 1-4). To exit the Calculator, press
Z-CHORD (DOTS 1-3-5-6 CHORD).
Standard operations are entered in the form
A+B, with no spaces between the values and the
operators. Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to
calculate the expression. The standard operators
are:
+ plus DOTS 3-4-6
- minus DOTS 3-6
* times DOTS 1-6
/ divide DOTS 3-4
% percent DOTS 1-4-6
square root DOTS 3-4-5 CHORD
Press C-CHORD (DOTS 1-4 CHORD) to hear the
information currently displayed in the
Calculator. Press O-CHORD, C (DOTS 1-3-5
CHORD, DOTS 1-4) to clear the Calculator.
The Calculator has 26 memory locations,
represented by the letters A through Z. R is
reserved for the result of the most recent
34 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

calculation. To store a value to memory, press S-
CHORD (DOTS 2-3-4 CHORD), followed by the
letter representing the memory location. To use
the information stored in memory, simply
reference the letter of the memory location in
your expression.
The Calculator also supports many advanced
scientific functions. For information on using
these functions, please refer to the Braille Lite’s
Onboard Help File.
Word Fix
Word Fix is a quick and easy tool for changing
how your M20/40 pronounces the words that
you write. Below are the directions for creating
and working with Word Fix.
1. Create a file O-CHORD, F, C and call the file
Word.fix.
2. Press DOT 8 or DOTS 4-6 CHORD for a
carriage return.
3. Type the word that you want to have the
M20/40 say correctly followed by an Equal
Sign followed by the phonetic pronunciation
of the word.
For example:
FreedomScientific=Freedom Scientific
Stuart=Stewart
4. Press DOT 8 or DOTS 4-6 CHORD for a
carriage return.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 35

5. Type new word to be fixed using the same
format.
Note: Word Fix only fixes the pronunciation
so that whenever the word is
encountered in a file it will be
pronounced correctly. This is not a
spell check tool.
Word Fix Rules:
• Word Exceptions Check in the Status Menu
must be on in order for the word fixes to be
recognized in a file. (The Access key for Word
Exceptions is E).
• Each Word Fix needs to be on a separate line.
• There can be no spaces in your Word Fix
string, nor can there be a space before the
first word.
• The word before the Equal Sign must be one
word. After the Equal Sign you can have
multiple words.
36 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Using the
Braille Lite
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 37

Note Taking
The Braille Lite M20/40 is a notetaker designed
for effortless note taking in any environment.
Information can be reviewed with speech and/or
Braille. The Braille Lite M20/40 takes and
organizes notes in the File Menu and the Editor.
You manage, create, and organize files from the
File Menu, and you read and edit files in the
Editor.
The Cursor
The cursor is essential to reading and editing
because it marks the current location in the text.
Various commands move the cursor to different
parts of the document. For instance, the reading
commands move the cursor to a specific
element, while the Braille Lite M20/40 reads
the text. The location of the cursor affects many
text editing commands.
A solid dot 7 and a solid dot 8 represents the
cursor location. By default, the cursor is only
visible when you read by character, or when you
use a cursor routing button to move the cursor
to a specific cell.
The Editor
The Braille Lite Editor allows you to create,
open, read, write, and edit files.
38 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Creating Files
To create a file:
1. Press O-CHORD, F (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD,
DOTS 1-2-4) to open the Files Menu.
2. Press C (DOTS 1-4). You are prompted for a
file name.
3. Type the file name.
4. Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD)
File names cannot exceed twenty characters nor
can they contain the following characters:
QUESTION MARK, ASTERISK, SLASH,
BACKSLASH, COMMA, COLON, and PERCENT. File
names should not begin with a PERIOD.
Further considerations include transferring files
to an external disk drive or to a Compact Flash.
Since these storage mediums do not support the
longer file names, we recommend you use the
MS-DOS "8.3" digit format. This format limits a
file to eight characters, a period, and three more
characters without spaces. The three characters
after the period are referred to as a file
extension, and may determine how applications
on a PC interact with these files. For example, in
Microsoft Windows 9.x, files with an extension
of .txt are opened in Notepad.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 39

Opening Files
To open an existing file:
1. Press O-CHORD, F (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD,
DOTS 1-2-4) to open the File Menu.
2. Scroll through the list of files with the Whiz
Wheels.
3. Press O-CHORD (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD) when
the desired file is located.
Reading Text
Files are read by character, by word, by line, or
by paragraphs. The available reading commands
are as follows:
To read by character:
Next character DOT 6 CHORD
Previous character DOT 3 CHORD
Current character DOTS 3-6 CHORD
Current character
phonetically DOTS 3-6 CHORD, twice
Immediately after hearing a character's phonetic
representation, DOT 3 CHORD moves to and
provides phonetic representation for the
previous character, and DOT 6 CHORD moves to
and provides phonetic representation for the
next character.
To read by word:
40 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Next word DOT 5 CHORD
Previous word DOT 2 CHORD
Current word DOTS 2-5 CHORD
Spell current word DOTS 2-5 CHORD, twice
Immediately after spelling a word, DOT 1
CHORD moves to and spells the previous word,
and DOT 4 CHORD moves to and spells the next
word.
To read by line:
Next line DOT 4 CHORD
Previous line DOT 1 CHORD
Current line DOTS 1-4
To move quickly through a file:
Forward one paragraph DOTS 5-6 CHORD
Back one paragraph DOTS 2-3 CHORD
Beginning of file DOTS 1-2-3 CHORD
End of file DOTS 4-5-6 CHORD
Read from cursor
to the end of the file DOTS 1-2-4-5-6 CHORD
Silence Speech DOTS 1-5 CHORD
Reading with Braille
All text reading commands work with the Braille
display. Additional Braille display features
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 41

include advance bars, Whiz Wheels, and cursor
routing buttons. The advance bar and Whiz
Wheels provide access to commonly used
navigation commands, while the cursor routing
buttons move the cursor to any cell. On the M40
there are raised ticks above cells five, ten,
fifteen, twenty, twenty-five, thirty, and thirtyfive
to help the user locate a particular cell
quickly.
Advance Bars
The advance bars move through your files one
display length at a time. Press the right end of
either advance bar to pan right 20 or 40 cells.
Press the left end of either advance bar to pan
left 20 or 40 cells. In either case, the display
wraps to the next or previous line of text once it
reaches the end or beginning of a line.
Reverse Advance
The function of the advance bars can be
reversed so the left end of the advance bar
moves you right, and the right end moves you
left. For some people this provides an easier
reach without needing to move fingers that are
reading the Braille display. To enable Reverse
Advance, press ST-SIGN CHORD, D-CHORD, Y
(DOTS 3-4 CHORD, DOTS 1-4-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-
3-4-5-6). Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) or
Z-CHORD (DOTS 1-3-5-6 CHORD) to exit the
Status Menu.
42 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Whiz Wheels
The Whiz Wheels, located at either end of the
Braille display, navigate files by line, by
sentence, or by paragraph. To select your
settings, scroll and press down on the Whiz
Wheels. Each Whiz Wheel can be set to navigate
a different setting. For example, you can set the
left Whiz Wheel to move up and down by
sentence, and set the right Whiz Wheel to move
up and down by paragraph.
Editing Text
The Braille Lite provides a very robust
environment for editing your files. You can copy
and insert text; delete characters, words, or
paragraphs; search and replace text; and spell
check your files. There are two editing modes,
Append and PC Edit, that allow you to interact
with your files in the same manner as a word
processor. The Editing Mode is set in the Status
Menu.
1. Press ST-SIGN CHORD (DOTS 3-4 CHORD)
to open the Status Menu.
2. Press $ (DOTS 1-2-4-6) to move directly to
PC Editing.
3. Press SPACEBAR to cycle between "PC
Editing Off," "PC Editing On," and "PC
Editing On with Insert at Startup."
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 43

4. Once the desired option is selected, press
E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to exit the
Status Menu.
Append Mode
The Append Mode, which is the default setting,
allows for quick note taking because anything
you type is added to the end of your file. While
in the Append Mode, you need to specify when
you want to insert or overwrite text.
• To insert text at the cursor location within the
file, press I-CHORD (DOTS 2-4 CHORD), type
in the text, and press I-CHORD (DOTS 2-4
CHORD) again.
• To overwrite one character at the cursor
location, press OW-SIGN CHORD (DOTS 2-4-6
CHORD).
• To continuously overwrite text from the cursor
location, press OW-SIGN CHORD (DOTS 2-4-6
CHORD) twice, type in the new text, and press
OW-SIGN CHORD (DOTS 2-4-6 CHORD) again.
PC Edit Mode
In PC Edit Mode, the Braille Lite M20/40 Editor
functions more like a word processor. In this
mode, press I-CHORD (DOTS 2-4 CHORD) to
toggle between Append, Insert, and Overwrite
Modes. The mode you select remains active until
you change it, or until you reset your Braille Lite.
44 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

• Append: Typed text is appended to the end of
the file, regardless of cursor location.
• Insert: Typed text is inserted at the cursor
location. Any text that is beyond the location
of the cursor is pushed forward in the file.
• Overwrite: Typed text begins at the cursor
location. Text that is beyond the location of
the cursor is replaced with the newly typed
text.
Copying, Deleting, and Pasting
The Braille Lite Editor offers full functionality for
reorganizing text. Delete or copy text from one
section of a file, and paste it in another section
or in another file.
Whether deleting or copying text, the Clipboard
temporarily stores text. This allows you to copy
or delete text from one file, switch to another
file, and paste the contents of the Clipboard.
Additionally, copied or deleted text can be
appended to text already in the Clipboard, or it
can replace the existing text.
Copying
There are several ways to copy text to the
Clipboard. The following method replaces or
adds text to the text already in the Clipboard.
1. Move the cursor to the beginning of the
text and press M-CHORD (DOTS 1-3-4
CHORD) to mark the location.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 45

2. Move the cursor one character after the end
of the text you want to copy.
3. Press GH-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-6 CHORD).
4. Press C (DOTS 1-4) to copy the text to the
clipboard, or A (DOT 1) to append text to
text already in the clipboard.
Delete Parameters
Delete parameters, used to copy and delete
text, are available when you press D-CHORD
(DOTS 1-4-5 CHORD) in any writeable RAM file.
Use the cursor movement keys to cycle through
the delete parameters and press E-CHORD
(DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to select the parameter.
Alternately, you can select a parameter by
pressing a Delete Parameter’s Access Key.
Block (B)(DOTS 1-2): Prompts for a string of
text, and deletes from the cursor to the first
instance of that string of text. Text cannot be
copied with this parameter.
Character (C)(DOTS 1-4): Prompts for a number
of characters, and counts from the cursor
forward through the file. Use this parameter to
copy or delete.
Line (L)(DOTS 1-2-3): Prompts for a number of
lines, and counts from the cursor forward
through the file. Use this parameter to copy or
delete.
46 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Paragraph (P)(DOTS 1-2-3-4): Prompts for a
number of paragraphs, and counts from the
cursor forward through the file. Use this
parameter to copy or delete.
Sentence (S)(DOTS 2-3-4): Prompts for a
number of sentences, and counts from the
cursor forward through the file. Use this
parameter to copy or delete.
Word (W)(DOTS 2-4-5-6): Prompts for a
number of words, and counts from the cursor
forward through the file. Use this parameter to
copy or delete.
Mark (M)(DOTS 1-3-4): This parameter deletes
text between a mark set in a file and the cursor
location. Press M-CHORD (DOTS 1-3-4 CHORD)
to set a mark in a file. Text cannot be copied
with this parameter.
Cursor to End of Text (Z)(DOTS 1-3-5-6):
Deletes from the cursor forward to the end of
the file. This parameter cannot be used to copy
text.
When selecting the Character, Line, Paragraph,
Sentence, or Word parameters, the maximum
number of units is 255.
After selecting the Delete parameter and the
information, press either of the following:
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 47

E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) deletes the text
and moves it to the Clipboard replacing any text
already in the Clipboard.
+ CHORD (DOTS 3-4-6 CHORD) deletes the text
and moves it to the Clipboard, appending the
text to the text already in the Clipboard.
GH-SIGN CHORD (DOTS 1-2-6 CHORD) copies
text to the Clipboard without deleting it.
(Copying text using the ING-SIGN CHORD (DOTS
3-4-6 CHORD) replaces any text in the
Clipboard).
If the selected parameter does not support
copying, the procedure is aborted.
Examples
To delete the character at the cursor location,
press D-CHORD (DOTS 1-4-5 CHORD) twice. To
delete multiple characters, press D-CHORD, C
(DOTS 1-4-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-4)plus the
number of characters (up to 255). Press E-
CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to move deleted text
to the clipboard, which replaces existing
Clipboard text. Pressing + CHORD (DOTS 3-4-6
CHORD) instead of E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD)
appends the text to the text already in the
clipboard.
This same process can be applied to words,
sentences, and paragraphs.
48 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Pasting Information
To paste information at the cursor location,
press DOTS 3-4-6 CHORD. You are prompted to
specify what information to paste. Use DOT 4
CHORD and DOT 1 CHORD to cycle through the
choices, or use the access keys listed below:
C (DOTS 1-4) pastes the clipboard contents.
D (DOTS 1-4-5) pastes the date.
F (DOTS 1-2-4) pastes contents of a file.
G (DOTS 1-2-4-5) pastes the date.
T (DOTS 2-3-4-5) pastes the time.
# CHORD (DOTS 3-4-5-6 CHORD) pastes the
time from the Stopwatch
R (DOTS 1-2-3-5) pastes result from Calculator
Note: Using + CHORD (DOTS 3-4-6 CHORD)
pastes information in a file at the
cursor location regardless of which
editing mode is active.
Find
To find text within a file, press F-CHORD (DOTS
1-2-4 CHORD), type in the text string, and press
F-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-4 CHORD) again. This
searches from the cursor location forward to the
end of the file. Text strings cannot exceed 63
characters.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 49

To search backwards from the cursor location in
the file, press F-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-4 CHORD),
type in the text to find, and press DOT 1-4-5-6
CHORD.
To find a date, press F-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-4
CHORD), and press G-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-4-5
CHORD). This starts the Smart Calendar. Type
the number of days or the date in MMDDYYYY
format and press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD).
Find and Replace
The Braille Lite also lets you find and replace
strings of text.
1. Press F-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-4 CHORD).
2. Type in the text to find.
3. Press R-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-3-5 CHORD)
4. Type in the replacement text.
5. Press R-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-3-5 CHORD).
The Braille Lite then searches your file. When
the specified text is found, the following options
are available:
• Press R (DOTS 1-2-3-5) to replace the
currently found instance of text.
• Press S (DOTS 2-3-4) to skip the currently
found instance of text.
• Press A (DOT 1) to replace all further
instances of the specified text.
50 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

• Press C-CHORD (DOTS 1-4 CHORD) to
hear/display the line in which the text was
found.
Case Sensitive Searches
The Braille Lite find feature is not case sensitive
by default, but this can be enabled in the Status
Menu.
1. Press ST-SIGN CHORD (DOTS 3-4 CHORD)
to open the Status Menu.
2. Press THE-SIGN (DOTS 2-3-4-6) to move
to Distinguish Case During Find.
3. Press Y (DOTS 1-3-4-5-6) to set this
option to On.
4. Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to exit
the Status Menu.
Note: While case sensitive searches are
sometimes very useful, they may
seriously reduce the number of
matches when performing a find
operation.
Global Searches
A global search is one that includes multiple
files. There are two ways to search globally:
from within a file, or from the File Menu.
When searching from a file, follow these steps:
1. Press F-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-4 CHORD).
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 51

2. Type the string of text for which you want
to search.
3. Press F-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-4 CHORD).
4. Type the “search options” you want to use.
The following choices are available at the
Search Options prompt:
All Files A (DOT 1)
RAM Files R (DOTS 2-3-4)
Flash Files F (DOTS 1-2-4)
Ram and Flash Files Z (DOTS 1-3-5-6)
Files in
Current Folder O (DOTS 1-3-5)
Braille Files B (DOTS 1-2)
Duxbury or
Megadots Files D (DOTS 1-4-5)
Text Files T (DOTS 2-3-4-5)
Small Files
(2 pages or less) S (DOTS 2-3-4)
Medium Size Files
(3 to 10 pages) M (DOTS 1-3-4)
Large Files
(over 10 pages) L (DOTS 1-2-3)
Case Sensitive C (DOTS 1-4)
Quiet Search Q
(DOTS 1-2-3-4-5)
52 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Currently Open File DOTS 4-6
List Matches
in Clipboard DOTS 3-4-5-6
8. Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to
execute.
When searching from the File Menu (O-CHORD,
F)(DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-2-4), follow
these steps:
• Press F-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-4 CHORD).
• Type in a file mask, such as *.txt or *.brl.
• Press F-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-4 CHORD).
• Type in the string of text for which you want
to search.
• Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD).
• Type in the “search options” you want to use.
The Search Options are the same as those
listed above.
• Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD).
By default, the Braille Lite searches all RAM
files, Braille files, and text files, regardless of
folder. Searches are not case sensitive. If this is
exactly the search you want, press E-CHORD
(DOTS 1-5 CHORD) at the Search Options
prompt. Otherwise, type in the options you
desire. For example, to search large text files in
both RAM and flash, type LTZ. To search just
small files in the current folder, type SO.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 53

When a match is found, the following options
are available:
Open File O (DOTS 1-3-5)
Continue Search C (DOTS 1-4)
Skip to Next File S (DOTS 2-3-4)
Speak Text in Context C-CHORD
(DOTS 1-4 CHORD)
File Name DOTS 1-5-6
CHORD
Abort Z-CHORD
(DOTS 1-3-5-6
CHORD)
Note: When you select Open File (O), the
search is stopped. When you select
Skip to Next File (S), the search
continues from the next file.
Spell Check
Spell check, an external program already loaded
on your unit, verifies correct spelling within your
documents. Since the program file, "spell.dic,"
uses 86 Braille Lite pages, we recommend you
store this file in Flash.
To start the spell check, open the Options Menu
and press a CH-SIGN (DOTS 1-6). Press W
(DOTS 2-4-5-6) to check the current word, or
press Z (DOTS 1-3-5-6) to check the entire
document starting from the cursor location. To
54 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

check an entire file, first move your cursor to the
beginning of the file and press L-CHORD (DOTS
1-2-3 CHORD).
The Braille Lite indicates an unrecognizable
word by spelling it out. Several options are then
presented. Use the cursor movement keys to
cycle through the options and press E-CHORD
(DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to select the option you
desire. Most of these options also have access
keys to directly select them. Press a – CHORD
(DOTS 3-6 CHORD) to hear the access key for
the current option.
Add Words to Personal Dictionary (A)(DOT 1)
The first time this option is used, a file named
"Personal.dic" is created in RAM. This file stores
words not found in the standard spell check
dictionary. Add words to the personal.dic that
the spell check will not recognize such as
personal names.
Bypass Word for Rest of Document (B)
(DOTS 1-2)
Spell check ignores any further instances of the
current word in the open file.
Read Word in Context (C)(DOTS 1-4)
Spell check reads/displays the line of text in
which the current word is found.
Enter the Correct Word in Document (E)(DOTS
1-5)
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 55

Spell check prompts you to type in the word as
you want it spelled.
Skip Word (O)(DOTS 1-3-5)
Spell check skips the current instance of the
word and continues checking the file. Any
further instances of the same word are found.
Repeat Incorrect Word (R)(DOTS 1-2-3-5)
Spell check reads and spells the current word.
Suggestion Words from a List (S)(DOTS 2-3-4)
Spell check lists alternative words for the
current word. Use the cursor movement keys to
cycle through the choices and press E-CHORD
(DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to select a word. Z-CHORD
(DOTS 1-3-5-6 CHORD) exits the list, and
returns you to the previous list of options for the
current word.
Suggestion Words Help (Q)(DOTS 1-2-3-4-5)
Spell check indicates how to navigate within the
word suggestion list.
Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to cancel a
spell check operation. If you are in the word
suggestion list, press Z-CHORD (DOTS 1-3-5-6
CHORD) twice.
Managing Files
The File Menu, accessed with O-CHORD, F (DOTS
1-3-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-2-4), manages your files.
Rename, delete, write protect, or even password
protect your files. Press O-CHORD, F (DOTS 1-3-
56 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

5 CHORD, DOTS 1-2-4) to activate the list of
files, then press any of the following:
• Use the cursor movement keys to move
through the list of files.
• Press L-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-3 CHORD) to move
to the top of the list, or DOTS 4-5-6 CHORD to
move to the bottom of the list.
• Press ? CHORD (DOTS 1-4-5-6 CHORD) to
access the File Commands Menu, then use the
cursor movement keys to move through the
available commands.
• Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to select
the file in the Files list, or to activate the
selected command in the File Commands list.
If required, the Braille Lite M20/40 prompts
you for more information.
• Press a – CHORD (DOTS 3-6 CHORD) on any
command to indicate the access key for that
command.
Memory
Understanding the memory structure of the
Braille Lite is important to organizing your files.
• The Braille Lite has two megabytes of RAM
and twelve megabytes of Flash memory.
• The Braille Lite accepts standard SanDisk
Compact Flash modules. Files are created and
edited in RAM.
• Files cannot be edited in Flash.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 57

• Files can be copied to and from RAM to
Compact Flash.
• Files cannot be copied from Flash to Compact
Flash.
Because RAM is the hub through which files
must move, we do not recommend you create
folders or store files in RAM. Use your Flash
space instead for creating folders and organizing
your files.
Folders
The Allow Folder Mode must be enabled in the
Status Menu in order to create and use folders.
Press ST-SIGN CHORD, F-CHORD, SPACEBAR
(DOTS 3-4 CHORD, DOTS 1-2-4 CHORD,
SPACEBAR) to enable Allow Folder Mode, and
press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to exit the
Status Menu.
The File Menu provides two modes:
• All Files Mode
• Folder Mode.
Pressing the SPACEBAR toggles between these
modes.
In Folder Mode, only the files in the current
folder are listed. Press DOTS 5-6 CHORD or
DOTS 2-3 CHORD to move between folders, and
press DOT 4 CHORD or DOT 1 CHORD to move
through the files in the current folder. RAM
58 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

startup and Flash Startup are the default
folders.
Creating Folders
To create folders, you must be in the File Menu
with Folder Mode activated. Press DOTS 3-4-6,
type the folder name and press E-CHORD (DOTS
1-5 CHORD), then press R (DOTS 1-2-3-5) for
RAM or F (DOTS 1-2-4) for Flash to store the
folder. Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to
exit the File Menu. You can create up to 20
folders.
Renaming and Deleting Folders
To rename a folder, press O-CHORD, F (DOTS 1-
3-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-2-4), move to the folder
and press DOTS 1-6 CHORD. Type in the new
folder name and press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5
CHORD).
To delete a folder, press O-CHORD, F (DOTS 1-
3-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-2-4). Press DOTS 3-6 to
move the folder.
Note: Only empty folders can be deleted.
Moving Files
There are two ways to move files into other
folders.
To move a single file into another folder:
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 59

1. Press O-CHORD, F (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD,
DOTS 1-2-4) to open the File Menu.
2. Press DOTS 5-6 CHORD or DOTS 2-3
CHORD to move to the folder containing the
file you want to move, then press DOT 4
CHORD or DOT 1 CHORD to locate the file
within folder.
3. Once the file to move is found, press GH-
SIGN (DOTS 1-2-6) to determine if the file
is marked, then press SPACEBAR to mark
the file. Press SPACEBAR again to unmark a
file.
4. Press DOT 5-6 CHORD or DOT 2-3 CHORD
to select the folder to which you want to
move the file and press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-
5 CHORD) twice.
To move multiple files into a folder:
1. Press O-CHORD, F (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD,
DOTS 1-2-4) to open the File Menu.
2. Press GH-SIGN (DOTS 1-2-6) to initiate the
tagging process to copy files to another
folder.
3. A list of files is displayed. Use the DOT 1
CHORD and DOT 4 CHORD to move through
the listed files, or DOTS 2-3 CHORDS and
DOTS 5-6 CHORDS to move through the
folders.
4. Press SPACEBAR to mark each file you want
to move or M to mark all files in the current
60 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

folder. Press SPACEBAR again to unmark a
file.
5. Once all desired files are marked, press
E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD).
6. A list of folders is displayed. Locate the
desired folder and press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-
5 CHORD).
File Commands
Many commands are available within the File
Menu. Several commands commonly used to
work with folders have already been mentioned.
Below lists commonly used file commands. For a
complete listing, refer to the Braille Lite's
Onboard Help ? CHORD (DOTS 1-4-5-6
CHORD)), or press O-CHORD, F, ? CHORD (DOTS
1-3-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-2-4, DOTS 1-4-5-6
CHORD) to open the File Command Menu.
Create File C (DOTS 1-4)
Open Selected File O-CHORD
(DOTS 1-3-5)
Rename Selected File R-CHORD
(DOTS 1-2-3-5
CHORD)
Rename Open File R (DOTS 1-2-3-5)
Delete Selected File D-CHORD (DOTS 1-
4-5 CHORD)
Delete Open File D (DOTS 1-4-5)
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 61

Write Protect Open File P (DOTS 1-2-3-4)
Unprotect Open File U (DOTS 1-3-6)
Password Protect Open File W (DOTS 2-4-5-6)
62 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

The Braille Lite Utilities
Equipped with features that enhance your daily
activity, your Braille Lite M20/40 notetaker has
built-in utilities that help organize your busy
life. The Braille Lite M20/40 includes a clock, a
datebook, a phonebook, a stopwatch, a timer,
and a calculator.
The Time and Date
The Braille Lite M20/40 tracks the time and
date for you and can be set to announce the
time on the hour. The Braille Lite uses the date
in conjunction with the Datebook to help you
track appointments.
Note: If you set the Speech Parameter to
Most Punctuation, hours and minutes
are spoken separated by the word
“colon.” If you set the Speech
Parameter to Some Punctuation, time
is spoken just as a person would say it.
Setting the Time
You set or change the time using one of two
methods. Either enter the actual time or
subtract the increment of time from the current
hour.
1. Type an O-CHORD (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD) to
open the Options Menu.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 63

2. Press S (DOTS 2-3-4), then press T (DOTS
2-3-4-5) for Set Time. The Braille Lite
prompts you with, “Enter time HHMM
Enter the exact time such as “0530” or enter
the increment of time you want to add or
subtract from the current setting. Use a plus or
minus to represent the number of backward or
forward hours and minutes. (Example “+0130”
or “–0010”).
1. Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) after
you have typed in the new time or time
increment.
2. If using American 12 Hour time, press A for
AM or P for PM.
Setting Time Format
The Braille Lite clock displays time in American
12 Hour format or European 24 Hour format.
1. Enter the Options Menu using the 0-CHORD
(DOTS 1-5 CHORD)
2. Type an S (DOTS 2-3-4) for set.
3. Write a DROPPED NUMBER 2 (DOTS 2-3)
for European time or a DROPPED NUMBER
1 (DOT 2) for American time.
4. Type an O-CHORD, T (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD,
DOTS 2-3-4-5) to check the time.
64 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Setting Hourly Announcement
The Braille Lite can be adjusted to announce
each hour.
1. Enter the Status Menu using the ST-SIGN
CHORD (DOTS 3-4 CHORD).
2. Write an H-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-5 CHORD).
The Braille Lite says, “Hourly
announcement, off.” This is the default.
3. Press the spacebar to cycle among the four
options or use the dropped number
equivalents.
Bell Only DROPPED NUMBER
1 (DOT 2)
Voice Only DROPPED NUMBER
2 (DOTS 2-3)
Bell and Voice DROPPED NUMBER
3 (DOTS 2-5)
Hourly
Announcement off N-CHORD
(DOTS 1-3-4-5)
Note: Speech must be on for the voice
settings to work. The bell settings
work with speech off.
Announcing the Date
To announce the date, press O-CHORD, D (DOTS
1-3-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-4-5). The Braille Lite
announces, “Thursday February 1, 2001.”
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 65

Setting the Date
To set the date:
1. Type an O-CHORD, S (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD,
DOTS 2-3-4).
2. Type a D (DOTS 1-4-5).
3. Enter date in MMDDYY format.
The Smart Calendar
The Braille Lite’s Smart Calendar can calculate a
future day and date. Press O-CHORD, G (DOTS
1-3-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-2-4-5) to open the Smart
Calendar.
• Enter a date in the MMDDYYYY format, then
press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD). The
Braille Lite M20/40 speaks/displays the
weekday, month, day, and year.
(Ex. enter “03162001,” the Braille Lite
responds with Friday March 16, 2001).
• Enter a number of days, such as “15” to
determine the future day and date.
• Enter a number of days preceded by a minus
(-) sign, such as “-12” to determine that past
day and date.
• Enter a # CHORD (DOTS 3-4-5-6 CHORD) or
E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) before entering
the days or date in the MMDDYYYY format to
determine the current Julian date. (The Julian
date is the number of a particular day in a
calendar year).
66 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

The Datebook
The Braille Lite Datebook is your personal space
for storing important information such as
appointments, messages, and special occasions.
There are three items under the Options Menu
relating to the Datebook.
Check Appointments (A)(DOT 1)
Select this item to check for any appointments
on the current day.
Open Datebook File (D-CHORD)
(DOTS 1-4-5 CHORD)
Select this item to open the Datebook file.
Navigate this file as you would any other file.
Datebook Entry (E)(DOTS 1-5)
Select this item to add an entry to the Datebook.
You are prompted to enter a number of days or a
date in MMDDYYYY format. After doing so, press
E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD). The Braille Lite
verifies the day and date of the appointment,
and then prompts for the event text.
At this point, there are two options:
• Enter the event text and press E-CHORD
(DOTS 1-5 CHORD).
• Press F-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-4 CHORD). This
places you in Browse Mode as the Braille Lite
searches the Datebook for the selected date.
If the date is not found, an entry for it is
added and "no appointments" is indicated. If
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 67

the date is found, you are taken to that entry,
and the first line of event text for that date is
spoken/displayed.
Browse Mode
Browse Mode is a read only mode for reviewing
Datebook entries. The following commands are
available.
To navigate information for the current date:
Previous Line DOT 1 CHORD
Current Line C-CHORD
(DOTS 1-4 CHORD)
Next Line DOT 4 CHORD
First Line DOTS 2-3-6 CHORD
Last Line DOTS 3-5-6 CHORD
Start of Line L-CHORD
(DOTS 1-2-3CHORD)
End of Line DOTS 4-5-6 CHORD
To edit entries from Browse Mode:
1. Press I (DOTS 2-4) to insert a new line
before the current line, or press A (DOT 1)
to append a new line to the end of the
current entry. Type in the event text and
press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to
return to Browse Mode.
2. Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to edit
the current line. When finished, press E-
68 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to return to
Browse Mode.
3. Press D (DOTS 1-4-5) to delete the current
line. Press Y (DOTS 1-3-4-5-6) to confirm,
or N (DOTS 1-3-4-5) to cancel. You are
then returned to Browse Mode.
To switch entries of other dates from Browse
Mode:
Prior Entry DOTS 2-3 CHORD
Next Entry DOTS 5-6 CHORD
Get New Date G (DOTS 1-2-4-5)
Get New Date returns you to the Datebook entry
prompt, requesting a number of days or a date
in MMDDYYYY format.
Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to exit
Browse Mode.
Appointment Notification
To set the Braille Lite to check for appointments
on the current day each time you start it:
1. Press ST-SIGN CHORD (DOTS 3-4 CHORD)
to open the Status Menu.
2. Press J (DOTS 2-4-5)to move to Check
Appointments.
3. Press Y (DOTS 1-3-4-5-6) to turn Check
Appointments On.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 69

4. Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to exit
the Status Menu.
The Stopwatch
The Braille Lite Stopwatch lets you measure
elapse time. Track how long you work in a file,
or the length of a presentation.
To enter the stopwatch, press O-CHORD, W
(DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD, DOTS 2-4-5-6). The
Braille Lite prompts with, “Stopwatch ready” and
the display shows “00:00:00.” The following
commands are then available:
Start/Stop Count DOT 6 CHORD
Reset Count DOT 3 CHORD
Read Count SPACEBAR
Exit Z-CHORD
(DOTS 1-3-5-6 CHORD)
If you turn off the Braille Lite with the stopwatch
running, the stopwatch will resume counting
when you restart the Braille Lite. The Braille Lite
M20/40 has a capacity of 23 hours 59 minutes
59.9 seconds.
The Timer
The countdown timer is similar to an alarm clock
or kitchen timer. Once set, the countdown timer
can not be interrupted.
70 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

To use the countdown timer you must be in
stopwatch mode O-CHORD, W (DOTS 1-3-5
CHORD, DOTS 2-4-5-6). To use the timer, the
following commands are available:
Start Count # (DOTS 3-4-5-6)
Enter Time E-CHORD
(DOTS 1-5 CHORD)
Read Time
Remaining SPACEBAR
Timing in the Background
You can set the timer while working in another
Braille Lite file. To do this, press the E-CHORD
(DOTS 1-5 CHORD) twice. This keeps you in your
original file in the exact place where you left off
before you brought up the timer. After the time
is up, the Braille Lite says, “Time is up” and
sounds an alarm.
The Calculator
The Braille Lite calculator is very robust with
both standard and scientific functions.
Basic Operations
• To open the Calculator, press O-CHORD, C
(DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-4).
• To exit the Calculator, press Z-CHORD (DOTS
1-3-5-6 CHORD).
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 71

• Press C-CHORD (DOTS 1-4 CHORD) to hear
the information currently displayed in the
Calculator.
• Press O-CHORD (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD) to clear
the Calculator.
• Press F-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-4 CHORD) to
toggle between speaking digits or full
numbers.
Standard operations are entered in the form
A+B, with no spaces between the values and the
operators. Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to
calculate the expression.
The following are the standard operators in
Grade 0 Braille:
• addition + (DOTS 3-4-6)
• subtraction – (DOTS 3-6)
• multiplication * (DOTS 1-6)
• division / (DOTS 3-4)
• percent % (DOTS 1-4-6)
• square root (DOTS 3-4-5 CHORD)
• decimal point . (DOTS 4-6)
• left parenthesis ( (DOTS 1-2-3-5-6)
• right parenthesis ) (DOTS 2-3-4-5-6)
• comma , (DOT 6)
72 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Performing Percentage Calculations
To determine the percentage of a number, type
the percentage value, the percent sign, and the
number from which you want to derive the
percentage. Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD)
to calculate the expression. For example, to find
20 percent of 500, enter 20%500, and press E-
CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD). The Braille Lite
calculates the expression and returns "100."
Extracting a Square Root
To extract the square root of a number, type the
number, then press AR-SIGN CHORD (DOTS 3-4-
5 CHORD). For example, to find the square root
of 25, type 25 and press AR-SIGN CHORD (DOTS
3-4-5 CHORD). The Braille Lite immediately
calculates the expression and returns “5.”
Setting Decimal Precision
The Calculator’s result varies according to the
number of decimal places you have set in your
calculator. Two decimal places are usually
enough for most situations; but for special
situations when you need more precision,
results can be calculated to 12 decimal places.
From within the calculator, press P-CHORD
(DOTS 1-2-3-4 CHORD). The Braille Lite
prompts for the number of decimal places. Enter
a number from 1 to 12.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 73

Note: The Calculator drops ending zeros to
the right of the decimal point. A value
of 1.20 is displayed as 1.2, even if
decimal precision is set to 2.
Scientific Calculator Functions
The scientific calculator’s functions all use the
same syntax. Type in the function name,
followed by the arguments surrounded in
parentheses. If there are multiple arguments,
separate them with commas. Expressions cannot
exceed 255 characters.
• To determine an average, type AVG(#,#,#)
and press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD).
• To calculate the median, type
MEDIAN(#,#,#) and press E-CHORD (DOTS
1-5 CHORD).
• To generate a random number between 0 and
1, type RAND() and press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-
5 CHORD).
• To determine the square root of a number,
type AR-SIGN CHORD (DOTS 3-4-5
CHORD)(#) and press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5
CHORD).
Trigonometric Functions
To calculate the sine of 90 degrees or pi/2
radians, type SIN(90) and press E-CHORD
(DOTS 1-5 CHORD). The Braille Lite returns,
“One.” The Calculator default is in degrees.
74 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

To switch to radians, press R-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-
3-5 CHORD). Type SIN(pi/2) and press E-CHORD
(DOTS 1-5 CHORD). The Braille Lite returns,
“one.”
Press R-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-3-5 CHORD) again to
switch back to degrees. Other trigonometric
functions are:
Cosine COS
Tangent TAN
Cotangent COT
Arcsine ASIN
Arccosine ACOS
Arctangent ATAN
Base e log LN
Base 10 Log LOG
Base e antilog ALN
Base 10 antilog ALOG
Conversions
The Calculator provides functions for many
conversions. Enter the value of what you want to
convert as the argument. Remember that
arguments must be contained within
parentheses.
HD Decimal to Hexadecimal
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 75

OD Decimal to Octal
BD Decimal to Binary
DH Hexadecimal to Decimal
DO Octal to Decimal
DB Binary to Decimal
FAREN Centigrade to Fahrenheit
CENTI Fahrenheit to Centigrade
IN Centimeter to Inches
CM Inches to Centimeters
MI Kilometers to Miles
KM Miles to Kilometers
L Gallons to Liters
GAL Liters to Gallons
KG Pounds to Kilograms
LB Kilograms to Pounds
G Ounces to Grams
OZ Grams to Ounces
Storing and Using the Memory
Locations
The Braille Lite calculator has 26 memory
locations where you can store results of
computations. These memory locations are
76 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

labeled A through Z. Memory location R is
reserved because it stores your last result.
There are two ways to store a number in a
memory location.
1. Type an arithmetic expression and press E-
CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to compute the
result.
2. Press S-CHORD (DOTS 2-3-4 CHORD) to
store the result.
3. Type the letter of the memory location you
want to use.
The second method is to type a number into the
Calculator, press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD),
type S-CHORD (DOTS 2-3-4 CHORD), and specify
the memory location you want to use.
To read the contents of a memory location, type
the letter of that location followed by E-CHORD
(DOTS 1-5 CHORD).
To use numbers stored in different memory
locations as part of an expression, reference the
memory location in your expression. For
example, if you have numbers stored in memory
locations A and B, the expression A+B followed
by E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) returns the sum
of these two numbers.
The Phonebook
The Braille Lite includes a phonebook to manage
contact information. The Phonebook tracks much
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 77

more than just phone numbers. It can manage
names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail
addresses, and more.
There are two items under the Options Menu
relating to the Phonebook. Press O-CHORD
(DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD) to open the Options Menu
and use DOT 1 CHORD and DOT 4 CHORD to
move to the items. The access keys are listed
below in parentheses.
Open Phone Book (P-CHORD) (DOTS 1-2-
3-4 CHORD)
Select this item to open a phonebook file. You
may have multiple phone files, but the first
word in each should be "phone." For example,
you may want to have separate phonebook files
for personal and business contacts. One could
be named "phone personal," and the other could
be named "phone business." You navigate this
file as you would any other file.
Phonebook (P)(DOTS 1-2-3-4)
Select this item to add phonebook entries, or to
create and configure phonebook files.
Adding Phonebook Entries
When you first press O-CHORD, P (DOTS 1-3-5
CHORD, DOTS 1-2-3-4), a list of fields is
displayed. The “Name Field” must always be
populated with information, otherwise the
Braille Lite returns you to your current file and
says, “Abort.” Records are alphabetized based
78 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

on the Name Field. Use a consistent naming
scheme, such as last name, first name. Use
consistent capitalization as this makes it easier
to locate individual records.
• Type in the information for each field and
press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to move to
the next field.
• Press DOT 1 CHORD or DOT 4 CHORD to move
through the available fields. Field names are
indicated as you move through them.
• Press # CHORD (DOTS 3-4-5-6 CHORD)
followed by the first letter of a field name to
move to a specific field.
• Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) in the
comment field, or press F-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-
4 CHORD) when finished.
Note: When entering field information, B-
CHORD (DOTS 1-2 CHORD) is the only
available editing option.
The default field names for the phonebook are
as follows:
Name Home Phone
Title Work Phone
Company Pager
Address Cell Phone
Address 2 Fax
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 79

City E-Mail
Phonebook Options
State Web Address
Zip Code Comments
Press O-CHORD (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD) from the
list of field names to access 3 configuration
options for the phonebook. Press an E-CHORD
(DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to select a choice or exit the
procedure with a Z-CHORD (DOTS 1-3-5-6
CHORD). The 3 configuration options are as
follows:
• Set up Field Names
• Select Phone File
• Re-initialize Phonebook
Setup Field Names
This item presents a list of all available fields
and indicates On or Off for each of them.
• Use DOT 1, DOT 4 CHORDS to cycle through
each option. Press the SPACEBAR to turn the
fields On and Off.
• Press P (DOTS 1-2-3-4) to only enable those
fields commonly used in a personal
phonebook.
• Press B (DOTS 1-2) to only enable those
fields commonly used in a business phone
book.
• Press Z (DOTS 1-3-5-6) to enable all fields.
80 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

• Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to return
to the Phone Options Menu.
Select Phone File
This item presents a list of all phone files with
names beginning with "phone," and lets you
specify which phone file is active. Phonebook
entries are always saved in the active phone file.
• Use the DOT 1 CHORD or DOT 4 CHORD to
cycle through the list and press E-CHORD
(DOTS 1-5 CHORD) on the file you want to
have active.
• Press N (DOTS 1-3-4-5) to create a new
phone file and set it as active. This option
also is used to activate a phone file with a
name that does not begin with "phone."
Note: Phonebook files contain the phone
records you enter. They can have any
file name, but are only listed under
Select Phone File if their name begins
with "phone."
Reinitialize Phonebook
This item resets several phone related settings:
• The default phone file, “Phone,” is set as
active.
• All fields are turned on in all phone files with
names beginning with "Phone."
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 81

• Phone files with names that do not begin with
"Phone" are only affected if they are active
when Reinitialize Phonebook is selected.
Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) or Z-CHORD
(DOTS 1-3-5-6 CHORD) to exit from any of the
phonebook configuration options. You may need
to press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) twice to
return to the list of fields in which information is
entered.
82 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

AAddvvaanncceedd
BBrraaiillllee LLiittee
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Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 83

Macros
A macro is a set of recorded commands that
automates a given task. Pressing one keyboard
command starts the macro, executing the entire
series of assigned commands. Using macros can
significantly increase your productivity because
it allows you to automate frequently used tasks.
Use macros for repetitive or complex tasks such
as inserting your name and address into a
document, launching a program, or copying and
pasting data from one file to another.
The first time you create a macro, the unit
automatically creates a file called “macros.sys”
and places the file at the end of the files list.
When recording macros, keep the following
points in mind:
• You can create up to 64 macros with each
macro comprising 63 keystrokes.
• Use meaningful alphabet name designations
or Braille symbol designations when naming
your macros.
• Carefully plan and record your macros to avoid
keystroke errors. (This is important when
creating a macro that edits text or
manipulates files).
Recording macros uses the following basic
steps.
84 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Recording a Macro
To record, position your cursor at the point
where you want to use the macro, start the
recording and execute the steps included in the
macro. For example, if you want a macro to
insert a commonly used closing at the end of a
letter, position your cursor at the end of a file
before recording the macro.
1. Press N-CHORD (DOTS 1-3-4-5 CHORD) to
start the macro recorder.
2. Enter the name of the macro. The prompt,
“Recording” is spoken/displayed.
3. Perform the steps of your macro.
4. Press N-CHORD (DOTS 1-3-4-5 CHORD) to
complete the recording or press Z-CHORD
(DOTS 1-3-4-6 CHORD) to abort the
recording.
The following commands add functionality to
your macros. Use these chords in the recording
process of your macros.
Executing a Macro
Execute a macro by pressing J-CHORD (DOTS 2-
4-5 CHORD) followed by the name of the macro.
Speaking or Silencing Macros
To use the speech as you play or record a macro,
press V-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-3-6 CHORD). To
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 85

silence the speech, press K-CHORD (DOTS 1-3
CHORD).
Nesting a Macro
Nesting a macro means you incorporate an
existing macro into the one you are recording.
To nest a macro, first record your new macro,
then at the point you want the existing macro to
take over, press J-CHORD (DOTS 2-4-5 CHORD)
and type in the MACRO NAME.
Start-Up Macros
A Start-Up macro plays every time you power up
your Braille Lite. To create a Start-Up Macro,
first press N-CHORD (DOTS 1-3-4-5 CHORD),
then press SPACEBAR, Y (DOTS 1-3-4-5-6) for
yes or N (DOTS 1-3-4-5) for no. Enter the
keystrokes you want the macro to perform and
end the recording with another N-CHORD (DOTS
1-3-4-5 CHORD).
Note: If a start up macro causes difficulties
in the operation of your Braille Lite,
bypass running it by pressing
SPACEBAR during power on.
Erasing a Macro
To erase a macro, press N-CHORD, MACRO
NAME, N-CHORD (DOTS 1-3-4-5 CHORD, MACRO
NAME, DOTS 1-3-4-5 CHORD).
86 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

To erase a Start Up macro, press N-CHORD,
SPACEBAR, Y or N, N-CHORD (DOTS 1-3-4-5
CHORD, SPACEBAR, DOTS 1-3-4-5-6 or DOTS 1-
3-4-5, DOTS 1-3-4-5 CHORD).
Write-Protecting a Macro
Write-protecting prevents you from creating new
macro files with names of older macro files. To
use write-protect, first enter the macro file, and
press P-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-3-4 CHORD). To
unprotect macro files, press U-CHORD (DOTS 1-
3 CHORD).
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 87

Compact Flash
In the M20/40 notetakers, you can store files in
three memory areas: RAM (Random Access
Memory), Flash, and Compact Flash. RAM and
flash memory are internal and serve as the
primary working areas. The notetakers possess
two MB of RAM and twelve MB of internal flash
memory. Additionally, M20/40 notetakers have
a software program that stores files on Compact
Flash (CF) cards. These cards slide in and out of
the Compact Flash port on the rear of the
notetaker. A single card can store as little as
four MB of data and as much as 256 MB of data.
Compact Flash cards can be purchased from
most computer or office supply stores.
Although, we still recommend the SanDisk
cards, your notetaker is also compatible with
Kingston, Memorex, Viking, Simple Technology,
and eFILM by Delkin Devices. At this time, we
do not recommend PNY brands.
Unlike RAM and flash files, files stored on CF
cards must be copied to the RAM or flash
memory before they can be read or edited.
Because RAM is the hub through which files
must move, we do not recommend you create
folders or store files in RAM. Use your Flash
space instead for creating folders and organizing
your files. The Compact Flash utility provides the
necessary tools for copying files to the CF card,
88 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

for creating a folder on the CF card, and for
navigating among the folders.
Compact Flash Commands
To run the Compact Flash utility, press O-
CHORD, F to get into the Files Menu. Then
navigate to the CF.bns file using either the Whiz
Wheels or A-CHORD/DOT 4 CHORD. When you
arrive at the file, press O-CHORD to open or run
the Compact Flash utility. When the Compact
Flash utility is started, the files/folders on the
Compact Flash utility are displayed. The
following commands work in the Compact Flash
utility:
Next File DOT 4 CHORD
Previous File A-CHORD
First File in List DOT 3 CHORD
Last File in List DOT 6 CHORD
Top of List L-CHORD
Bottom of List DOTS 4-5-6 CHORD
View Notetaker
Files DOT 5 CHORD
View CF Files DOT 2 CHORD
Toggle between
Notetaker and CF DOTS 4-5 CHORD
Open Folder E-CHORD
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 89

Note: When you are in list of subfolders, the
first item of each list is a period.
Pressing E-CHORD when you are
pointing at the period takes you to the
previous folder level.
Create Folder + CHORD
File Information I-CHORD
Delete File D-CHORD
Rename file or
folder R-CHORD
Up One Folder
Level DOTS 2-3 CHORD
Mark File SPACEBAR
Mark Group
of Files M-CHORD
Unmark masked
files Y-CHORD
Format flash disk W-CHORD
Available CF space S-CHORD
Refresh directory F-CHORD
Skip a file S
Overwrite an
existing file O
Overwrite all files A
90 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Rearranging files
You can rearrange the file listed using the DOTS
2-3-6 CHORD. After entering this command the
M20/40 prompts with, "The mask is *.* enter
new mask." Type in the new mask using DOS
wildcard characters, then press E-CHORD. The
new list is displayed.
Tip: Using E-CHORD to edit a file mask
offers two options: Begin typing and
erase old text; or navigate to a
character or word and use standard
editing commands to edit the existing
file mask.
Refreshing the view
Occasionally, it may be necessary to refresh the
files list view. This is especially helpful when
copying files to a folder. To do this, type an F-
CHORD. You can issue this command at any
time.
Copying Files
When you copy from the notetaker to Compact
Flash, files are copied to the folder last open in
the Compact Flash module. When you copy from
Compact Flash to the notetaker, files are copied
either into RAM Startup, or into the last RAM
folder open before accessing Compact Flash. You
can only copy files from RAM to Compact Flash
or from Compact Flash to RAM. When you move
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 91

to the notetaker side, all RAM files are
displayed.
Copying a file to a CF card involves three steps:
choosing the target folder; marking the files to
be copied; issuing the copy command.
Choosing the target folder
You first select the folder where the file is to be
sent. To do this, press DOT 2 CHORD. Next,
navigate to the folder or type O-CHORD, type in
the desired folder name, then press E-CHORD.
Marking the files to be copied
Next, mark the files to be copied. Press DOT 5
CHORD to change to the M20/40 side. Next,
navigate to the folder containing the desired
files. Once there, files must be marked for
copying. This can be done in one of two ways.
The first way to mark a file is to find it in the list
and press the SPACEBAR. The second way to
mark files is to use the M-CHORD to mark
groups of files. After pressing this command,
type in a file mask using DOS wildcards such as
*.txt, and press E-CHORD. All files matching the
mask will be marked. To mark all files, type M-
CHORD, *.*, E-CHORD. Press Y-CHORD to unmark
files by mask.
D-CHORD (DOTS 1-4-5 CHORD) deletes folders,
but the folders must be empty.
92 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Issuing the copy command
Last, type C-CHORD to copy the files. If there are
duplicate files or files with the same name being
copied, the notetaker will prompt you to either
skip (S) the file, overwrite each existing file one
at a time (O), or overwrite all existing files (A)
without pausing. After, the unit will report the
number of files copied.
If a file is too big to transfer or copy into RAM,
you will be prompted to press S to skip the file
or Z-CHORD to abort the transfer. If the full
prompt cannot fit on your display, use your
Advance Bars to read forward.
Creating a new folder
To create a new folder one level below the
current level, type DOTS 3-4-6 CHORD. Type in
the new folder name and press E-CHORD.
Incremental Search
The Compact Flash program also supports a
powerful incremental name search. Type the
desired file name one letter at a time until the
full name is spoken or displayed. If you mistype
a letter, simply retype it. The program
remembers where you are in the search string
and the letter is only added to the string if it is
found in a file name. To clear the search string,
perform any navigational command such as A-
CHORD or DOT 4 CHORD.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 93

Getting information
To receive information about a file, two
keystrokes are available: I-CHORD and ST-SIGN
CHORD. Pressing one of these keystrokes will
give the file name, byte size, and the time and
date the file was archived.
94 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Printing and Embossing
Most printers use the parallel port, and most
embossers use the serial port. If you are going
to connect the Braille Lite to an embosser
through the serial port, the Status Menu (ST-
SIGN CHORD)(DOTS 3-4 CHORD) serial
parameters settings must match the settings on
the embosser.
The files in the Braille Lite Editor are plain text.
They contain no layout or character formatting
such as bold, italic, or underline. You must
format text in a document when printing or
embossing. Formatting commands - strings of
characters included in your files - affect text
layout and character appearance. The formatting
characters are not printed or embossed; instead
they instruct your printer or embosser on how to
render a document.
Status Menu Settings
There are several settings within the Status
Menu that control how documents are printed or
embossed. For basic documents, minor
adjustments to these settings may be sufficient
to provide the formatting features you want to
use.
Press ST-SIGN CHORD (DOTS 3-4 CHORD) to
open the Status Menu; then press DOTS 5-6
CHORD to move through the sections of this
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 95

menu until "Format Parameters" is indicated.
This section of the Status Menu contains the
following items.
Printer Compatibility
This item specifies the printer settings available.
• Epson Compatible Printer
• Imagewriter Printer
• HP Printer
Toggle between the settings with SPACEBAR. If
you do not use one of these printer brands,
check your printer documentation for
information on "compatibility" or "emulation." If
you are able to set your printer to emulate one
of these brands, or if your printer is compatible
with one of these brands, your printer should
work with the Braille Lite.
Print Commands
Print Commands affect how files are printed or
embossed.
To send an open file to the serial port, press T-
CHORD (DOTS 2-3-4-5 CHORD). Then specify
which parameters you want printed.
Formatted Text A or T
(DOT 1 or DOTS 2-
3-4-5)
Formatted Braille B (DOTS 1-2)
96 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Line L (DOTS 1-2-3)
From Cursor
to Mark M (DOTS 1-3-4)
Paragraph P (DOTS 1-2-3-4)
Unformatted File S (DOTS 2-3-4)
Braille Translation
without Formatting
(Use this parameter
when importing a file
into a word processor) W (DOTS 2-4-5-6)
Translate to
Formatted Grade II 2 (DOTS 2-3)
Translate to Grade II
(No Formatting) DOTS 5-6
From Cursor to
End of File Z (DOTS 1-3-5-6)
Print to File F (DOTS 1-2-4)
Print to file only works through the serial port.
When using this command, you are asked for
one of the preceding parameters, then for a
destination file name.
To send an open file to the parallel port, press
T-CHORD (DOTS 2-3-4-5 CHORD) and one of the
following parameters.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 97

Formatted Braille B-CHORD
(DOTS 1-2 CHORD)
Line From the menu choose
“line to parallel port”
From cursor to mark M-CHORD
(DOTS 1-3-4 CHORD)
Paragraph P-CHORD
(DOTS 1-2-3-4 CHORD)
Unformatted file S-CHORD
(DOTS 2-3-4 CHORD)
Formatted text T-CHORD
(DOTS 2-3-4-5 CHORD)
Braille translation
without formatting
(Use this parameter
when importing a file
into a word processor) W-CHORD
(DOTS 2-4-5-6 CHORD)
Translate to
Formatted Grade II DOT 2-3 CHORD
Translate to Grade II
(No Formatting) DOTS 5-6
CHORD
All text from cursor
to end of file Z-CHORD
(DOTS 1-3-5-6 CHORD)
98 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Page Numbering
Number Pages specifies whether or not page
numbers are included in your printed and
embossed documents.
Put Page Number on First Page determines if
the first page of your document includes a page
number.
Document Layout
Several Status Menu items control overall layout
of your printed or embossed documents. These
items are listed here with their default values.
Double Space (Off) specifies whether the
document is single or double spaced. This
setting applies to both printed and embossed
documents.
There are several Status Menu items that only
affect how documents are printed:
• Print Line Length (75)
• Print Left Margin (10)
• Print Page Length (60)
• Print Top Margin (6)
There are also several Status Menu items that
only affect how documents are embossed:
• Braille Line Length (33)
• Braille Left Margin (1)
• Braille Page Length (25)
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 99

• Braille Top Margin (1)
Formatting Commands
Formatting commands are inserted into the text
of your documents to produce results that
cannot be achieved through more general
formatting settings in the Status Menu. We
recommend you add formatting commands as a
last step before printing or embossing a
document.
Syntax
Formatting commands must be entered in a
specific manner to work properly. If you work
with HTML you already understand the need for
proper syntax in achieving desired results.
All formatting commands begin with the dollar
sign ($) (DOTS 1-2-4-6).
• All formatting commands must have a space
before and after the command. For example,
to bold text: The word $BB bold $BF will
print in a boldface font.
• Many formatting commands contain two
elements, one to begin the formatting, and
one to end it. If the ending element is left
out, the printer does not know to stop
applying that format.
• Many formatting commands must be used at
certain locations relative to the text you want
to affect. For example, when centering a line
100 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

of text, the center command ( $C ) must be
on each line that is to be centered.
• Many formatting commands require a value
as part of the command. This must be
included directly after the command, but
before the space. For example, to set a tab
stop of five characters, enter the command (
$TS5 ).
The following sections list the available
formatting commands. The surrounding
parentheses are not part of the command. If a
numeric value is required as part of a command,
it is indicated with the number sign (#).
Attribute Marking
Formatting commands related to attribute
marking apply only to documents that are to be
printed.
Bold Begin ( $BB )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2, 1-2)
Bold Finish ( $BF )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2, 1-2-4)
Italic Begin ( $IB )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 2-4, 1-2)
Italic Finish ( $IF )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 2-4, 1-2-4)
Double Strike Begin ( $DBSB )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2, 2-3-4, 1-2)
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 101

Double Strike Finish ( $DBSF )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2, 2-3-4, 1-2-4)
Strike Out Begin ( $SOB )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 2-3-4, 1-3-5, 1-2)
Strike Out Finish ( $SOF )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-3-5, 1-2-4)
Underline Begin ( $UB )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-3-6, 1-2)
Underline Finish ( $UF )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-3-6, 1-2-4)
Margins and Alignment
Commands for adjusting margins work for both
print and embossed documents. Some of the
alignment commands also work for both print
and embossed documents, but some of them
only apply to print documents.
When adjusting margins, it is essential to
consider the related settings within the Status
Menu.
Set Left Margin ( $ML# )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-3-4, 1-2-3, #)
Set Right Margin ( $MR# )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-3-4, 1-2-3-5, #)
Set Top Margin ( $MT# )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-3-4, 2-3-4-5, #)
102 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Set Bottom Margin ( $MB# )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-3-4, 1-2, #)
Note: The bottom margin defaults to 0 for
print documents. If page numbering is
turned on, this changes to 6.
Embossed documents use a default
bottom margin of 0.
Set Page Length ( $PL# )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-3-4, 1-2-3, #)
Set Page Width ( $PW# )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-3-4, 2-4-5-6, #)
Increase Left Margin ( $ML+# )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-3-4, 1-2-3, 3-4-6, #)
Decrease Left Margin ( $ML-# )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-3-4, 1-2-3, 3-6, #)
Increase Right Margin ( $MR+# )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-3-4, 1-2-3-5, 3-4-6, #)
Decrease Right Margin ( $MR-# )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-3-4, 1-2-3-5, 3-6, #)
Increase Top Margin ( $MT+# )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-3-4, 2-3-4-5, 3-4-6, #)
Decrease Top Margin ( $MT-# )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-3-4, 2-3-4-5, 3-6, #)
Increase Bottom Margin ( $MB+# )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-3-4, 1-2, 3-4-6, #)
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 103

Decrease Bottom Margin ( $MB-# )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-3-4, 1-2, 3-6, #)
Outdent Left Margin 1
Tab Stop ( $OUT )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-3-5, 1-3-6, 2-3-4-5)
Center Current Line ( $C )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-4)
Note: The center command must be on every
line of text that is to be centered. If
the text wraps to a new line when
printed or embossed, the text that
wraps will not be centered.
Right Justification ( $JR )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 2-4-5, 1-2-3-5)
No Justification ( $JN )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 2-4-5, 1-3-4-5)
Full Justification ( $JF )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 2-4-5, 1-2-4)
Note: Full justification does not work with
embossed files.
Set Line Spacing ( $LS# )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-3, 2-3-4, #)
This setting lets you override the Status menu
setting. For example, in a double spaced term
paper, long quotations should be single spaced.
104 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Tabs
Tabs work similar to word processor program on
a personal computer. The tab size is measured
in spaces from the character or space typed in
the document just prior to the tab.
Set Tab Size ( $TS# )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 2-3-4-5, 2-3-4, #)
Insert Tab ( $T )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 2-3-4-5)
Set Tab Stop ( $TO# )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 2-3-4-5, 1-3-5, #)
Note: Once you set the tab size, the insert
tab command uses this setting.
However, to use the tab stop, you
must use that command each time
rather than the insert tab command.
Page Numbering
Page numbering is enabled or disabled in the
Status Menu, but for finer control of how your
pages are numbered, use the following format
commands. If page numbering in the Status
Menu is turned off, these commands have no
effect.
Numbering Type
Arabic Numbers ( $PNAR )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-3-4, 1, 1-2-3-5)
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 105

Roman Numerals ( $PNRN )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-3-4, 1-3-4-5, 1-2-3-5, 1-
3-4-5)
No Numbering ( $PNNP )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-3-4, 1-3-4-5, 1-3-4-5, 1-
2-3-4)
Start Numbering at ( $PN# )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-3-4, 1-3-4-5, #)
Numbering Position
Top Left ( $PNTL )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-3-4, 1-3-4-5, 2-3-4-5, 1-
2-3)
Top Center ( $PNTC )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-3-4, 1-3-4-5, 2-3-4-5, 1-
4)
Top Right ( $PNTR )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-3-4, 1-3-4-5, 2-3-4-5, 1-
2-3-5)
Bottom Left ( $PNBL )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-3-4, 1-3-4-5, 1-2, 1-2-3)
Bottom Center ( $PNBC )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-3-4, 1-3-4-5, 1-2, 1-4)
Bottom Right ( $PNBR )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-3-4, 1-3-4-5, 1-2, 1-2-3-
5)
106 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Headers and Footers
Use headers and footers to place the same text
at the top or bottom of each page of a printed
or embossed document.
Header Begin ( $HB )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-5, 1-2)
Footer Begin ( $FB )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-4, 1-2)
End Header/Footer Text ( $- )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 3-6)
To indicate the text you want to use as a header
or footer, specify the appropriate command
listed above followed by the text and any
formatting commands you want to use (such as
center, bold, or italic). Then insert the End
Header/Footer Text command. This text will
appear at the top or bottom of each printed or
embossed page, formatted as you specify with
other formatting commands.
Disable Header ( $H- )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-5, 3-6)
Reenable Header ( $H+ )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-5, 3-4-6)
Disable Footer ( $F- )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-4, 3-6)
Reenable Footer ( $F+ )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-4, 3-4-6)
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 107

Other Commands
New Line ( $L )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-3)
New Paragraph ( $P )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-3-4)
New Page ( $F )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-4)
Insert Current Time ( $TM )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 2-3-4-5, 1-3-4)
Insert Current Date ( $DT )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-4-5, 2-3-4-5)
Start Ignore Text ( $( )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2-3-5-6)
End Ignore Text ( $) )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 2-3-4-5-6)
Respect Braille
Translator Setting ( $BRL+ )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2, 1-2-3-5, 1-2-3, 3-4-6)
No Translation ( $BRL- )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-2, 1-2-3-5, 1-2-3, 3-6)
Note: The Braille translator settings only
affect embossed documents.
Don't Form Feed
After Print ( $NF )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-3-4-5, 1-2-4)
108 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Wait for a Keypress
After Each Page is
Printed ( $W )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 2-4-5-6)
End Formatting ( $EF )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 1-5, 1-2-4)
Information Commands
Show Formatting
Progress ( $ST )
(DOTS 1-2-4-6, 2-3-4, 2-3-4-5)
Pages Printed SPACEBAR
Percent Printed + CHORD:
(DOTS 3-4-6 CHORD, 1-5-6)
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 109

Connecting to a Personal Computer
The Braille Lite serves as a refreshable Braille
display for your screen access software, or you
can connect it to your PC for easy and
convenient file transfers. You can also use the
external disk drive - available from Freedom
Scientific - to move files between your PC and
the Braille Lite via disk.
JAWS and Connect Outloud
The Braille Lite provides tactile access to JAWS
and Connect Outloud supported applications
through the Braille Display Mode. Toggle the
switch on the left edge of the Braille Lite toward
the front of the unit to enter Braille Display
Mode. The Braille Lite should be connected to
your PC through the serial port, powered on, and
toggled to Braille Display Mode before JAWS or
Connect Outloud is started.
Refer to the JAWS or Connect Outloud Online
Help Systems for information on specific Braille
Lite commands that interact with these
applications and the programs they support.
WinDisk
The WinDisk program provides support for the
Braille Lite in Windows. WinDisk allows you to
access the files and folders on the Braille Lite as
though they were just on another drive. Once
110 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

installed, WinDisk displays the Braille Lite's files
and folders in Windows Explorer and My
Computer. You can copy and paste files using
the standard Windows keystrokes. Additionally,
WinDisk provides a one step back up and restore
feature for the entire file and folder system of
the Braille Lite.
Requirements
WinDisk is only compatible on Personal
Computers running Windows 9x, Windows NT
4.0, Windows 2000 or Windows ME.
The Braille Lite is connected to the computer via
a serial port. Other devices cannot use the same
serial port while you are using WinDisk.
Installing WinDisk
When you insert the WinDisk CD into your CD
drive, the Install Wizard runs. If you have JAWS
loaded, the entire installation process is
accessible.
Braille Lite Settings
The Braille Lite must be configured properly to
communicate with your computer and WinDisk.
Connect the Braille Lite to your computer with
the serial cable supplied with your Braille Lite.
Press ST-SIGN CHORD (DOTS 3-4 CHORD) to
open the Status Menu and set the following
serial parameters:
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 111

• 38,400 baud
• no parity
• 8 data bits
• 1 stop bit
• hardware handshaking
Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) to exit the
Status Menu after these settings are configured.
Press O-CHORD, W-CHORD (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD,
DOTS 2-4-5-6 CHORD) to enter WinDisk Mode.
The Braille Lite indicates, "WinDisk Mode, press
Z-CHORD (DOTS 1-3-5-6 CHORD) to abort." The
Braille Lite is now ready to communicate with
the PC.
Using WinDisk
Once the Braille Lite is connected and in
WinDisk Mode, start Windows Explorer or My
Computer. If WinDisk is installed, a new entry -
Blazie Engineering Notetaker - is displayed. The
Freedom Scientific icon marks this entry. When
you move to and open this item, a list of all
folders in the Braille Lite is displayed. The
folders are listed alphabetically, and each folder
name is followed by either the letter R or F in
parenthesis. This indicates whether the folder
contains RAM or flash files. Even when the
Braille Lite is set to all files mode, a minimum
of two folders appears, Ram Startup and Flash
Startup.
112 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Note: Moving to the Blazie Engineering
notetaker entry before the Braille Lite
is connected, powered on, and in
WinDisk Mode, may result in your
system hanging or freezing.
To view the files within a folder:
• Select the desired folder in the tree view and
view the files in the list view of Windows
Explorer.
• Select the folder in the list view of Windows
Explorer or My Computer and press ENTER to
open the folder.
WinDisk Commands
WinDisk uses standard copy and paste
commands when copying files to and from the
Braille Lite.
Copy File CTRL+C
Paste File CTRL+V
Select All CTRL+A
The status of file transfers is indicated by the
Braille Lite. Entire folders cannot be copied or
pasted. To copy all the contents of a folder, You
must open the folder and select all files
(CTRL+A), then press CTRL+C to copy the
selected files to the clipboard.
Note: Cut (CTRL+X) is not available.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 113

Backup and Restore
To backup all Braille Lite files, press CTRL+B.
WinDisk keeps track of the folders from which
each file was backed up, and remembers if the
files were in RAM or flash memory. By default,
WinDisk stores the files in a folder named
backup, one level below the WinDisk folder. This
is C:\windisk\backup if WinDisk was installed
into the default folder.
WinDisk provides support for a single backup set
only. If a backup set has previously been
created, move or delete the existing backup set
before creating a new one. If you do not move,
rename or delete the existing WinDisk backup
folder prior to starting a new backup, files may
be duplicated or destroyed.
To restore Braille Lite files from a back up set,
press CTRL+R. The restore process rebuilds the
Braille Lite file and folder system as necessary
to restore the Braille Lite to the same condition
it was in when the backup was created. For
example, if a complete reinitialization of the
Braille Lite has been performed - erasing all
files and folders in the unit - the restore process
rebuilds the folder system and automatically
transfers all files into the appropriate folders.
This command is intended to be used after the
unit has been reinitialized, erasing all file and
folder names.
114 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Warning: The restore process erases files on the
Braille Lite that have the same name
as the files being restored from the
PC. For example, if WinDisk is
restoring the file phone, but the
Braille Lite still has a file named
phone inside it, the phone file inside
the Braille Lite is deleted and replaced
with the copy being restored from the
PC.
Leaving WinDisk
As WinDisk is integrated into the Windows
interface, the program cannot really be closed
on the PC. Before you leave WinDisk Mode on
the Braille Lite, navigate away from the Blazie
Engineering notetaker entry in Windows Explorer
or My Computer, or close the Windows Explorer
or My Computer window. Once this is done,
press ENTER on the Braille Lite to exit WinDisk
Mode.
Trouble Shooting
If you experience difficulties with the WinDisk
program, refer to the WinDisk.doc or WinDisk.txt
files that are distributed with the program.
HyperTerminal
Any terminal program can be used to transfer
files to and from the notetaker. For the purpose
of this document, we will assume you will be
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 115

using HyperTerminal, a terminal program that
comes with the Windows Operating System.
To set up your PC for communication with your
notetaker, first use the TNS3 serial cable from
Freedom Scientific to connect your notetaker to
Com Port 1 of your computer. If you are using a
Braille display, you will need to temporarily
disable this in JAWS. To do this, select Braille
from the Options Menu of JAWS, and TAB to the
Default Braille Display list. Select No Display
and press ENTER. You will need to close and
reload JAWS for this to take effect.
On most windows systems, HyperTerminal can
be found on the Start Menu, either under
Programs/Accessories/Communications, or
directly under Programs/Accessories. Once in
the correct menu, you will notice a
HyperTerminal Submenu. There may also be a
separate HyperTerminal item outside of this
submenu. If this separate item exists, select it
and press ENTER. Otherwise, enter the
HyperTerminal Submenu and select
hyperterminal.exe from there.
A dialog will appear allowing you to configure a
new connection. The first control is an edit box,
asking for the name of the connection. You can
enter anything you want here. However, try to
make it unique, as this will become the name of
the item used to connect to the notetaker in the
future. Press TAB, and you land on a list box
116 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

containing several graphical icons. Press TAB
again to move to the OK button and press
SPACEBAR.
The next dialog asks for details about this
connection, such as the telephone number if you
have a modem installed. Since you are not
actually connecting using a telephone, TAB to
the Connect Using combo box. Press C until you
reach the Com Port to which you have connected
the cable. TAB to the OK button and press
SPACEBAR or ENTER. Next you are presented
with a dialog containing various settings for this
Com Port, such as baud rate. The parameters,
both here and in your notetaker, should be set
to 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit
and software handshake (called xon/xoff flow
control in HyperTerminal). TAB to the ok button
and activate it.
The dialog will disappear and your PC will
attempt to connect to the notetaker. If the
connection fails, a dialog will appear informing
you of this. Otherwise, you will be placed in a
window where several options are available to
you. This same window will appear in the future,
when you select the name that you assigned to
this session from the HyperTerminal Submenu
of the Start Menu.
Transferring from the PC to the
notetaker:
1. On the PC, press ALT+T.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 117

2. Select send file.
3. Type in the name of the file you want to
send, or use the browse button to select
the file.
4. Select Y Modem from the protocol list.
5. On the notetaker, enter the File Menu with
O-CHORD, F (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-
2-4).
6. Press T-CHORD (DOTS 2-3-4-5 CHORD).
7. Press R (DOTS 1-2-3-5) for receive.
8. Press Y (DOTS 1-3-4-5-6) for Y Modem.
9. The notetaker will say, “starting transfer.”
10. On the PC, activate the OK button. The
transfer should begin at this point.
Transferring from the notetaker to the
PC:
5. On the PC, press ALT+T.
6. Select receive file.
7. Enter the directory where you want to save
the file.
8. Select Y Modem from the protocol list.
9. On the notetaker, enter the file menu with
O-CHORD, F (DOTS 1-3-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-
2-4).
10. Press T-CHORD (DOTS 2-3-4-5 CHORD).
11. Press S (DOTS 2-3-4) for send.
118 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

12. Press Y (DOTS 1-3-4-5-6) for Y Modem.
13. A list of existing files will appear. Mark one
or more files using SPACEBAR. Press E-
CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) when all files
you wish to send are selected.
14. On the PC, activate the OK button. The
transfer should begin at this point. Please
be patient. It may take a little time before
the transfer begins.
Note: If you use a Braille display and want to
go back to using it after finishing the
transfer, you will need to unload and
reload JAWS. Also, be sure to close the
HyperTerminal window so that JAWS
can recognize the display.
The External Disk Drive
Freedom Scientific offers an external disk drive
that works well with the Braille Lite. Use the
disk drive to copy files to and from the Braille
Lite. Use the cable provided with this drive to
connect it to the disk drive port on the Braille
Lite. You can use either of the two PS2-style
serial ports, which on the M20 are located on
either side of the unit. On the M40 they are
located on the back side of the unit.
After connecting the disk drive, power on the
Braille Lite and the disk drive. Insert a disk and
press S-CHORD, D (DOTS 2-3-4 CHORD, DOTS 1-
4-5) to access the directory of the disk drive.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 119

Use DOT 1 CHORD to move up the list or DOT 4
CHORD to move down the list. When the name
of the file is displayed press S-CHORD, G (DOTS
1-5 CHORD, DOTS 1-2-4-5) to get the file you
want to use.
The recommended option for copying files to
and from the disk drive is Y-modem transfers.
Press Y (DOTS 1-3-4-5-6) to select this item.
You are prompted to press S (DOTS 2-3-4) to
send or R (DOTS 1-2-3-5) to receive.
Send Options
If you choose to send, you have several options:
• Press the SPACEBAR to mark the selected file.
Move through the list to select all files you
want to send to the disk drive.
• Press R (DOTS 1-2-3-5) to mark all RAM
files.
• Press F (DOTS 1-2-4) to mark all Flash files.
Press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD) when
complete, and the transfer begins.
Receiving from the Disk Drive
After Selecting Y-modem transfers, choose R
(DOTS 1-2-3-5) to receive from the disk drive,
you are prompted to indicate what you want to
receive.
120 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

• Type the name of a file located on the disk in
the disk drive and press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5
CHORD).
• Type in a file mask, such as *.txt or *.* and
press E-CHORD (DOTS 1-5 CHORD).
File masks use wild card characters to fill in the
parts of the file names that are not specified.
For example, *.txt indicates to copy all files
ending in .txt. *.* indicates to copy all files.
For more information, refer to the external disk
drive's manual.
If you have technical questions, please call 727-
803-8600 or email:
notetakers@freedomscientific.com
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 121

E-mail Configuration
E-mail
The following information is needed to set up
your e-mail account for use with the Braille Lite
M20/40. If you do not have all of this
information, contact your Internet Service
Provider (ISP).
Note: When calling Freedom Scientific
Technical Support for help with e-mail,
please have the following information
ready.
• Dial up service phone number
• Account (PPP) login name
• Account (PPP) password
• Outgoing (SMTP) mail server
• Incoming (POP3) mail server
Some service providers require you to log into
their network before logging in to your E-mail
account. If your provider requires this, you may
also need:
• Account name for network logon
• Password for network logon
Running the Configuration Wizard
E-mail configuration information is entered in
the Wizard.bns program. To run this program:
122 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

11. Press O-CHORD to open the Options Menu.
12. Press X for execute program.
13. Enter the name of the file, Wizard.bns.
14. Press E-CHORD.
Note: You can also press O-CHORD, F 5
CHORD to open the File menu, locate
the Wizard.bns file, and press O-
CHORD to run the program.
The E-mail Configuration program prompts you
for the information it requires. Answer each
prompt with the information gathered from
above. Remember to write in computer Braille
and to use an E-CHORD after each entry.
Remember also to press U-CHORD for uppercase
before entering the @ symbol, DOT 4. When you
are done with each entry you will be asked to
confirm the information. Press Y for yes or DOT
1 CHORD to go back to the previous step.
Note: If you are dialing from a company
where you need to first dial a number
to access an outside line (i.e., 9)
include a COMMA (dot 6) after this
number in the dial-up phone number
field. This adds a two second pause,
giving the phone system time to get a
dial tone before dialing the rest of the
number.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 123

Once you have your information entered
correctly, press E-CHORD. This information is
saved to the file, Email.cfg.
Changing E-mail Configurations
There are two ways to change your e-mail
configurations.
• Open the Email.cfg file and go to the option
you want to change. Then use the basic
editing functions to make your changes.
• Open the Mailread.bns program file; press C
then press DOT 4 CHORD to navigate to Edit
Email Configuration. Last press E-CHORD
again.
Edit E-mail Configuration Commands
The following commands are available:
Context Sensitive
Help H-CHORD
Next Section DOTS 5-6 CHORD
Previous Section DOTS 2-3 CHORD
Top of File DOTS 1-2-3
Bottom of File DOTS 4-5-6
Next Parameter DOT 4 CHORD
Previous Parameter DOT 1 CHORD
Toggle a feature
on or off SPACEBAR
124 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Edit Parameter E-CHORD
When you edit a parameter be sure to type in
the new value and press E-CHORD again. If you
decide not to edit a parameter, simply press Z-
CHORD.
Exit Z-CHORD
Note: Use computer Braille when entering
text and numbers.
Edit Configuration Options Menu
Log section:
Parameter=file, (default value is email.log;
designates where the log file is stored)
Parameter=level (default value is 2; 0=no log,
1=normal, 2=verbose, 3=insane)
Parameter=mode (default value is 2)
Log Mode Submenu:
• Say log events on/off
• Display log events on/off
Parameter=size (default value is 9; allows you
to define the size of the log file in KB; use 0 for
unlimited size)
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 125

Mail section:
Parameter=quote (default value is >; the
traditional quote character when replying to
messages)
Parameter=signature (you can write in a
signature to be appended to the bottom of your
outgoing mail)
Parameter=full name (the name you want to
appear in the from field of your outgoing
message)
Parameter=mode (default value is 0)
Mail Mode Submenu:
• Empty deleted box on/off
• Show mailbox status on/off
• Apply rules on/off
• Progress clicks on/off
Modem section:
Parameter=baud (default value is 38400; speed
of communication between the modem and the
serial port; does not affect internet connection
speed)
Parameter=mode (default value is 0; lets you
designate whether you connect through an
126 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

external modem (connected through the serial
port) or through the unit’s internal modem;
default is internal)
Modem Mode Submenu:
• Use external modem on/off
Parameter=init (lets you define a modem
initialization string by using standard AT
commands)
Parameter=dial (use ATDT for tone, ATDP for
pulse)
Parameter=phone (allows you to enter/change
phone number)
Parameter=tries (lets you define how many
times the modem tries to connect before giving
up)
Login section:
Username/password (allows you to define
username/password if network logon is
required)
Parameter=tries (number of attempts to logon
before giving up)
PPP section:
Username/password (username and password to
logon to the server)
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 127

Parameter=local IP (default is 0.0.0.0, which
means auto detect; most people should not
need this setting)
Parameter=server IP (allows you to define an IP
address to connect to on the server; default is
0.0.0.0, which is auto detect)
Parameter=mode (default value is 0)
PPP Mode Submenu:
• Disable PAP on/off
• Disable CHAP on/off
• Enable VJ compression on/off
POP3 section:
Username/password (used to check mail)
Parameter=server IP (default is 0.0.0.0; can be
defined by the user if necessary)
Parameter=server name [the name of the POP
server; not needed if exact IP address is defined
(i.e., if a user knows the IP address for their ISP
and chooses to use that information instead of
the auto detect)]
Parameter=mode (default value is 0)
POP3 Mode Submenu:
• Leave messages on server by date on/off
• Interactive mode for oversized messages
on/off
128 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Parameter=size (default value is 0; set message
size limit in KB; see discussion of interactive
size mode; 0 is unlimited)
SMTP section:
Parameter=server IP (allows you to define SMTP
server IP address)
Parameter=server name (SMTP server name;
not necessary if IP address has been defined)
Parameter=email (outgoing email address)
Checking for new E-mail
Run the Mailer.bns program to check for new email:
15. Press O-CHORD, F to enter the File Menu.
16. Navigate to the Mailer.bns program with
either the Whiz Wheels or by using DOT 1
or DOT 4 CHORD.
17. Press O-CHORD to run the Mailer.bns
program.
As the program is running you will hear the
modem dial out, a sequence of beeps, and
progress messages that are dependant on your
unit’s settings.
For example, if Interactive Size Mode is on and
you are downloading a message that is over the
size you have defined, you will hear the prompt,
"Message X psize in bytes is over the limit.
Press E-CHORD to download, Z-CHORD to skip,
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 129

D-CHORD to delete from server.” If in 30
seconds you do nothing, the Mailer program will
go on to the next e-mail message leaving the
current message on the server. Once you have
finished downloading your messages, you will
hear a message that says, "ok enter file
command." At this prompt enter the commands
to run the Mailread.bns.
Reading E-mail
Use the Mailread.bns program to organize, read,
and composing your e-mail messages. Open this
program in the same manner as the previous
programs.
The Mailread.bns program places you in the
Inbox Message List. Use the following
commands to navigate the Message List.
Tip: Using E-CHORD in an edit field offers
two options: Begin typing and erase
old text; or navigate to a character or
word and use the standard editing
commands to edit the existing entry.
Mailbox Commands
Enter Mailbox List E-CHORD
DOTS 4-6 CHORD
DOT 8
Top of list DOTS 1-2-3
CHORD
130 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Bottom of list DOTS 4-5-6
CHORD
Next Mailbox DOTS 5-6 CHORD
Prior Mailbox DOTS 2-3 CHORD
Show Mailbox Information I
Rename Current Mailbox E
Add Mailbox A
Delete Mailbox D
Browse Header Fields DOT 3 or DOT 6
Next header DOT 6 CHORD
Prior Header DOT 3 CHORD
Read Raw Header H
The following mailboxes are available:
• Inbox
• Outbox
• Sentbox
• Deletedbox
• Draft
The following header fields are available for
each message in a mailbox:
• Status (New, Read, System, Read Only, Error)
• To
• CC
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 131

• From
• Subject
• Date
• BCC
• Size
Creating Messages
In order to create, reply or forward e-mail you
must first press a Z-CHORD to move from the
body of the e-mail back into the Message List.
1. Press A or + CHORD to create a new
message.
2. You are placed in the To: field. Enter the email
address of the message recipient and
press E- CHORD to move to the next field.
3. You are placed in the Subject: field. After
entering a message subject, press E-CHORD
to move to the next field.
4. You are placed in the CC: field. Enter
another e-mail address if you want to copy
the message to someone. Press E-CHORD
to continue.
5. You are placed in the BCC: field. Enter
another e-mail address if you want to copy
the message to someone. Press ENTER to
continue.
6. You are prompted to either enter a
message or press ESC to exit the message
body.
132 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

The following commands are available within
the message list:
Next Message DOT 4 CHORD
Prior Message DOT 1 CHORD
Read Message E-CHORD
New Message + CHORD
A
Reply to Current Message R
Forward Current Message F
Delete Current Message D
Save Current Message
to File S
Reset Message Status T
Note: Deleting the current message from the
Message List does not permanently
delete the message. To permanently
delete a message, you must be in the
Deleted Mailbox.
Adding Attachments
While you are in the message body you have the
option of attaching a file through a context
menu. To attach a file access the Context Menu
with O-CHORD. Then either navigate the menu
and press E-CHORD when you find the
Attachments option or press A. Then navigate to
the file or files you want to attach and press E-
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 133

CHORD on each file. Within the attachments list,
the following commands are available:
Top of List DOTS 1-2-3 CHORD
Bottom of List DOTS 4-5-6 CHORD
Previous File DOT 1 CHORD
Next File DOT 4 CHORD
Delete a File D
Exit Attachments List Z-CHORD
1. Press Z-CHORD to return to the message
body.
2. After composing your message, press Z-
CHORD.
3. You are then asked to press E-CHORD to
send the message, S to save the draft or Z
to cancel the message.
Context Menu Items
Edit Header H
Attachments List A
Address Book DOT 2-5-
6 CHORD
Append Text I-CHORD
134 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Replying to or Forwarding Messages
Press R to reply to the current message, or
press F to forward the current message. In
either case, you are placed in the To: field.
If replying to a message, the To: field is
populated with the e-mail address that was in
the From: field of the message to which you are
replying. Press E-CHORD to move to the Subject:
field. If you choose to edit the To: or Subject
fields, you do not need to completely retype the
information. Instead, begin typing and
completely erase the current information or use
DOT 1 CHORD or DOT 4 CHORD to navigate to
the character(s) you want to edit. Use standard
line editor commands to make the changes.
Press E-CHORD from the Subject: field to move
to the body of the message and type any notes
you want to add. Press Z-CHORD when finished.
If forwarding the message, the To: field is blank.
Press E-CHORD after entering in the e-mail
address to which you want to send the message,
fill out or change the Subject: field, and press E-
CHORD. Type in any notes you want to add to
the message and press Z-CHORD when finished.
In both cases, you are prompted to verify if you
want to save or cancel the message.
Whether your creating, replying, or forwarding a
message, the Mailread.bns program stores the
message in an outbox. The message is then
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 135

automatically sent out when you reconnect to
your ISP using the Mailer.bns program.
Editing Messages
You may now edit messages in the Sent Box or
Drafts folders. To do this, move to the message
you want to edit and press E. Change each field
as necessary or leave the information as it is.
Press E-CHORD to move to the next header, or
into the body of the message if you are on the
last header. While in the body of the message,
the following commands may also be used.
• S-CHORD appends a signature to the end of
your message.
• O-CHORD enters the context menu. This
allows you to add a file attachment, edit
headers, and several other functions.
Address Book
We have added an address book, which allows
you to assign short names for commonly used email
addresses. Use DOT 2-5-6 CHORD to enter
the address book from within the message list,
or while editing a message header. Once in the
address book, the following commands are
available.
Create an entry A
+ CHORD
136 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Edit an entry E
E-CHORD
DOTS 4-6 CHORD
Move to
previous column DOT 3 CHORD
Move to
next column DOT 6 CHORD
Move to
previous entry A-CHORD
Move to
next entry DOT 4 CHORD
Note: Only one column is displayed:
nickname, full name or e-mail
address.
Delete selected
entry D
D-CHORD
When you select to create or edit an entry, you
begin in the name column. If editing an existing
entry, this field will already contain the current
item. After editing this entry if necessary, press
E-CHORD to move to the next column, which is
full name. Again, enter or edit the information
as needed, then press E-CHORD. You will be
placed in the e-mail address column. After
finishing this field, press E-CHORD to return to
the list of entries.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 137

Note: Address entries are not saved until
you press Z-CHORD to exit the address
book. If you turn off your notetaker
without exiting the address book, any
newly created entries or changes to
existing ones will not save.
To send e-mail to someone who is in your
address book, begin the e-mail as normal.
Instead of typing the entire e-mail address, type
the nickname, and it will be replaced with the
full name and e-mail address. If the nickname
you type is not in the address book, the unit
speaks a warning when you move to the next
header.
Message Filters
We have added message filtering, sometimes
called message rules.
A message filter applies only to the current
mailbox, and must be based on a message in
that mailbox. First move to the mailbox where
this rule should be set. Move to the particular
message that has the information to use for the
rule. Press S-CHORD and you will be prompted
to either add or delete a filter for this mailbox.
The default option is to add, so all you need to
do is press E-CHORD. You will then be asked
which header to use for the filter rule. The only
fields available are “from” and “to.” Next you
will be asked to select the destination box. Only
certain folders will display, for example outbox
138 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

is not an available option. Select the desired
folder and press E-CHORD. You will be put back
into the message list. Filtering does not take
place at this point. To filter messages manually,
press F-CHORD. The unit will apply all rules that
have been set for the current mailbox, and
report how many messages were moved. The
inbox is also automatically filtered when
mailread.bns is started, however only unread
messages are included in the process.
Note: Context sensitive help (H-CHORD) has
been added to the configuration menu
in Mailread and is available for menu
items at all levels.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 139

Maintenance
The Braille Lite is a complex electronic device
and must be cared for properly to maintain its
peak performance. This section discusses caring
for the Braille Lite, updating to the latest
firmware, and basic troubleshooting steps to
take in case the Braille Lite stops functioning
properly.
Resetting the Braille Lite
The Braille Lite, like any complex computing
system, occasionally may lock, freeze, or seem
sluggish. If this occurs regularly, contact
Freedom Scientific’s hardware technical support.
However, if this occurs infrequently, take these
steps to get you back up and running without
delay.
Warm Reset
Press = CHORD (DOTS 1-2-3-4-5-6 CHORD) to
warm reset your Braille Lite. A warm reset does
not affect your files, but all settings you have
configured are reset to defaults.
If the first warm reset does not help, press and
hold down = CHORD (DOTS 1-2-3-4-5-6
CHORD) during power on.
140 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Cold Reset
A cold reset may result in loss of all files on the
Braille Lite so this should be used only as a last
resort. Press and hold down I-CHORD (DOTS 2-4
CHORD) during power on to cold reset your
Braille Lite. This resets your unit to its default
parameters and erases calculator memories.
During the process:
1. You are asked to initialize the file system.
Answering Y (DOTS 1-3-4-5-6) for yes
erases all file titles from the file menu.
2. Next you are asked to initialize the Flash
system. Pressing Y (DOTS 1-3-4-5-6) for
yes erases all Flash files.
3. Then you are asked to initialize the folder
system. Doing so without initializing the
file or Flash systems should allow you to
later repair your folders without losing
files.
4. Finally you are asked to delete all data in
the file area. Answering Y (DOTS 1-3-4-5-
6) for yes permanently deletes all files.
To perform a cold reset without losing files:
1. Hold down I-CHORD (DOTS 2-4 CHORD)
during system power on.
2. Press N (DOTS 1-3-4-5) for no when
prompted to initialize the file system.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 141

3. Press N (DOTS 1-3-4-5) for no when
prompted to initialize the flash system.
4. Press Y (DOTS 1-3-4-5-6) for yes when
prompted to initialize the folder system.
5. Press N (DOTS 1-3-4-5) for no when asked
to delete all file information in the file
area.
6. Recreate your folders using the same
names as were previously used.
Hardware Reset
There is a hardware reset button on the back of
the Braille Lite just left of the parallel port. This
button is small and recessed. Use a paper clip or
a toothpick to press this button.
Using the hardware reset button does not delete
your files, and may not even reset configuration
settings to defaults. This button should be used
only if the other reset options do not respond. If
your Braille Lite is functioning normally and you
press this button, there may be no response at
all.
Updating the Firmware
The Braille Lite uses firmware that is easy to
update. Updating to the newest firmware
ensures you have the latest features and
functionality. You do not need to service your
Braille Lite to update the firmware. Just back up
all your files, load the firmware update into your
142 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Braille Lite, and run it. After completing the
update, remember to perform a cold reset. To
begin a cold reset, press and hold I-CHORD
(DOTS 2-4 CHORD) during power on.
Getting Started
Before the update process is started, all files on
the Braille Lite need to be backed up to disk or
to your computer, and the file must be copied to
the Braille Lite. The update process deletes all
files on the Braille Lite, so any files not backed
up are lost. The update file is a large file so if
you have lots of files in RAM you may need to
move them to Flash.
This process updates the system software in the
Braille Lite. If this process is interrupted,
permanent damage may result. If your battery is
low, we recommend charging it, or running the
update while using the AC adapter.
Starting the Update
If you have never run an update before, or if you
would like to listen to the instructions and
prompts while updating your unit, please turn
on speech before beginning the update
process. Running the update program does not
automatically turn speech on. To turn speech on
in the Status Menu, press S-CHORD or press V in
the Options Menu.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 143

1. Press O-CHORD, F and navigate to
appropriate update file. For the M20, the
update file is called Blm20eng.bns. For the
M40, the update file is called
Blm40eng.bns. Press O-CHORD to run the
program. for Type Lite users, Tlteng.bns.
2. A prompt warns that updating your unit
may destroy your files, and then asks if you
are sure you want to continue. Enter Y
(DOTS 1-3-4-5-6) to proceed.
3. There is a second verification prompt. Press
Y (DOTS 1-3-4-5-6) again to proceed.
The Braille Lite takes a few moments
to validate the program. A series of beeps
indicates the process continues.
The Braille Lite then asks you to select language
bank A or B. Bank A must be updated first, so
select A the first time you run the update. You
can then run the update again if you
want, selecting bank B this time.
Once you have selected the language bank to be
updated, several messages are
displayed/spoken, warning you not to do
anything until the process is complete.
The notetaker also indicates to turn off your unit
when you receive a continuous low pitch tone.
Finally, it tells you that if you hear rapid beeping
for more than thirty seconds, your update has
failed.
144 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

After the messages are finished, the Braille Lite
beeps again. This will continue for two to three
minutes, then your unit will abruptly sound a
continuous, low pitch tone. When this occurs,
turn off your unit.
Note: If the notetaker rapidly beeps for
some time, the update process has
failed. Contact Freedom Scientific’s
hardware technical support for
assistance.
When you turn the unit on after updating bank
A, you will hear the unit announce that it has
performed a warm reset, then you will hear the
normal startup message. At this point, all
settings will be set to their defaults, and you
will need to recustomize the unit to your liking.
Once complete, the .bns file is no longer
needed. Since this file is large, you may want to
delete it.
If your Braille Lite does not work normally after
the warm reset, perform a hard reset. This
clears the machine of your files, but it also
reinitializes the Braille Lite, allowing the new
update to run properly.
Press and hold down I-CHORD (DOTS 2-4
CHORD) during power on to perform a hard
reset. This step is not necessary if your system
functions properly after the warm reset
described above.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 145

During a hard reset, parts of the file and folder
system are reinitialized. Answer Y (DOTS 1-3-4-
5-6) for yes to each question asked during this
process.
After your system is fully updated, the onboard
help indicates it is the "mini help file." The
diskette on which you received the firmware
update should contain a file with the same name
as the update file but with an .hlp extension.
Copy this file to the notetaker and rename it
"help." Use the process listed above to copy the
file, substituting the appropriate file name. To
rename the .hlp file once it is on the Braille Lite,
press F-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-4 CHORD), locate the
file, press R-CHORD (DOTS 1-2-3-5 CHORD),
and type in the new name, “help.”
146 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

AAppppeennddiicceess
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 147

Appendix A:
The File Menu
This appendix documents the commands
available in the File menu. These commands are
organized by function. All commands must be
entered after first opening the File menu (O-
CHORD, F).
Navigation
Enter File Menu O-CHORD, F
Exit File Menu E-CHORD
File Commands Menu O-CHORD, F, ? CHORD
Forward through
File List DOT 4 CHORD
Back through
File List DOT 1 CHORD
Forward through File List
(File Names Only) DOT 6 CHORD
Backward through File List
(File Names Only) DOT 3 CHORD
Top of File List L-CHORD
End of File List DOTS 4-5-6 CHORD
General
Create File C
148 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Open File O
Open Selected File O-CHORD
Delete File D
Delete Selected File D-CHORD
Global Delete G
Rename Open File R
Rename Selected File R-CHORD
Protect Open File P
Protect Selected File P-CHORD
Unprotect Open File U
Unprotect Selected File U-CHORD
Password Protect File W
Note: You are prompted to type a 1 to 6
character password twice. Press E-
CHORD after typing the password. To
remove the password of the open file,
press E-CHORD twice.
Recover Open File EQUAL SIGN
Note: This command may be useful after a
crash or a Cold reset when the file
system has been initialized.
Search for Files F-CHORD
Note: When searching for files, you are
prompted for a file name or partial file
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 149

Information
name with wild cards - such as *.txt or
*.brl. Use DOT 1 CHORD and DOT 4
CHORD to move through the results
list, E-CHORD to select a file, or Z-
CHORD to exit the list.
Free Memory in Pages F
Verbose File List V
Copy File List
to Clipboard V-CHORD
List Names of All Files L
Quick File List Q
Tell Name of Open File T
Tell Name of
Selected File C-CHORD
Spell Name of
Selected File DOTS 2-5 CHORD
Information on File(s) I
Information on
Selected File I-CHORD
Time/Date
Information on File(s) M
Time/Date Information on
Selected File M-CHORD
Tell Size of File(s) DOTS 1-5-6
150 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Other
Tell Size of
Selected File DOTS 1-5-6 CHORD
The following commands are still available, but
should not be necessary. The Braille Lite
automatically resizes files as needed.
Make Open
File Bigger B
Make Selected
File Bigger B-CHORD
Make Open
File Smaller S
Make Selected
File Smaller S-CHORD
File Transfers
Transfer Protocols T-CHORD
Selected File to Serial
Port with Y-modem Y-CHORD
File from Serial Port
with Y-modem DOTS 1-2-3-4-6 CHORD
External Programs
Run Selected
External Program O-CHORD or X-CHORD
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 151

Run Selected
External Program
with Arguments X
Move to Previous
External Program DOT 2 CHORD
Move to Next
External Program DOT 5 CHORD
Toggle between
Quick Load
and Normal Load DOTS 3-4 CHORD
Note: The program must be in RAM.
Folders
Except where noted, Allow Folder Mode must be
on in the status menu (ST-SIGN CHORD, F-
CHORD, SPACEBAR) and Folder Mode must be
on in the File menu. Press SPACEBAR while in
the File menu to toggle between All Files Mode
and Folder Mode. The default folders are ram
startup (0) and Flash Startup (1). There cannot
be more than twenty folders.
Create Folder DOTS 3-4-6
Forward through
Folders DOTS 5-6 CHORD
Back through Folders DOTS 2-3 CHORD
Top of Folder List DOTS 2-3-6 CHORD
End of Folder List DOTS 3-5-6 CHORD.
152 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Delete Empty Folder DOTS 3-6
Rename Active Folder O-CHORD, F, * CHORD.
Quick Folder Opening
by Number 0 through 9
Name of Open Folder DOTS 2-3-5-6 CHORD.
Move Selected File DOTS 1-2-6 CHORD
Note: A list of folders is displayed. Use DOT
1 CHORD and DOT 4 CHORD to move
through the list, and press E-CHORD to
select a folder. The folder number (0
through 9) may also be typed.
Move Selected File when
in All Files Mode DOTS 1-2-6 CHORD
Note: You are asked to move the selected
file into Flash if it is in Ram, or into
Ram if it is in Flash.
Move File(s) GH-SIGN
Note: This command lists files in the current
folder. Mark files with Y or SPACEBAR.
Switch between folders with DOT 2-3
CHORD or DOTS 5-6 CHORD. Press E-
CHORD when all desired files are
marked. Then move to the destination
folder with DOT 1 CHORD or DOT 4
CHORD, and press E-CHORD.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 153

Appendix B:
The Options Menu
This appendix documents the items available in
the Option menu, and the access keys for each
item. The first three items do not appear in the
Option menu, but relate to it or are available
from it.
Open Option Menu O-CHORD
Quick File Opening
by Number 00 to 99
Spell Check CH-SIGN
Check Appointments A
Braille Display B
Calculator C
Date D
Open Datebook File D-CHORD
Datebook Entry E
File Commands F
Smart Calendar G
Calculate Line K
Open the
Previously Opened
File L
154 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Open Currently
Selected File O
Open Phone Book P-CHORD
Phone Book (Entry) P
Review Mode R
Set Time S, T
Set Date S, D
American Time S, 1
European Time S, 2
Time T
Upper Case
Proof Mode U
Speech V
Toggle Braille/
Landscape Mode V-CHORD
Stopwatch W
WinDisk W-CHORD
Execute Program X
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 155

156 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Appendix C:
The Status Menu
The following options are available in the Status
Menu.
Navigation
Open Status Menu ST-SIGN CHORD
Exit E-CHORD
Next Item DOT 4 CHORD
Prior Item DOT 1 CHORD
Next Section DOTS 5-6 CHORD
Prior Section DOTS 2-3 CHORD
Access Key DOTS 3-6 CHORD
Toggle Setting SPACEBAR
Items that are either on or off can also be set by
Pressing Y for On or N for Off. If there are other
commands to toggle settings, they are listed
below the relevant item.
Serial Parameters
Serial Port F
BAUD Rate B
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 157

To Set: Type:
300 30
600 6
1200 12
2400 2
4800 4
9600 9
19200 19
38400 38
115200 11
Parity P
To Set: Type:
Odd O
Even E
None N
Duplex D
To Set: Type:
158 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Half H
Full F
None N
Data Bits DOTS 4-5-6
To Set: Type:
7 7
8 8
Stop Bits S
To Set: Type:
1 1
2 2
Handshaking H
To Set: Type:
Software S
Hardware H
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 159

None N
Specify a number from 0 to 255 and press E-
CHORD.
Add Linefeed
when Transmitting A
Reject Ornamentation
Characters O
Speech Parameters
Speech S-CHORD
Speak Words in
Say All Mode DOTS 2-3-4-5-6
Ham Calls M
Note: This item is used to speak letternumber
combinations such as w1aw.
Braille Display Parameters
Braille Display B-CHORD
Serial Tracking T-CHORD
Keyboard Tracking K-CHORD
Reverse Advance D-CHORD
8 Dot Mode DOTS 2-3-6 CHORD
Control Chars X-CHORD
Cursor Always Visible V-CHORD
160 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Word Wrap W-CHORD
End Display on
Carriage Return R-CHORD
Display All = CHORD,
Grade 2 Messages G-CHORD
View in Grade 2 DOTS 2-3-5-6 CHORD
Editor Parameters
Braille Translator T
Cursor Tracking C
Column Beeper Q
Specify a number between 0 and 255 and press
E-CHORD.
Speak Windows Lines
or Sentences V
To Set: Type:
Windows W
Lines L
Sentences S
Window Length W
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 161

Specify a number between 18 and 255 and
press
E-CHORD.
PC Editing Mode DOTS 1-2-4-6
Specify Y for On, N for Off, or I for On with
Insert at Startup.
Skip Blank Lines DOTS 1-2-3-4-6 CHORD
Distinguish Case
During Find DOTS 2-3-4-6 CHORD
Progress Clicks K
Say ASCII Values DOTS 2-5 CHORD
Format Parameters
Printer Compatibility L
To Set: Type:
Epson E
HP H
Image Writer I
Number Pages DOTS 3-4-5-6
Put Page Number
on First Page No Access Key
Double Space DOTS 3-4-5
162 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

The following page format parameters control
the margins on a print or Braille
page. There are no access keys for these items.
The default settings are listed instead.
Print Line Length 75
Print Left Margin 10
Print Page Length 60
Print Top Margin 6
Braille Line Length 33
Braille Left Margin 1
Braille Page Length 25
Braille Top Margin 1
System Parameters
Revision Date R
Battery Timer DOTS 1-4-5-6
Press SPACEBAR to reset the battery timer.
Check Appointments J
Hourly
Announcement H-CHORD
To Set: Type:
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 163

Bell 1
Voice 2
Bell and Voice 3
Off N
Power Reminder Z
Allow Folder Mode F-CHORD
164 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

TELECOMMUNICATIONS QUESTIONS
APPENDIX D:
FAQ’s
Question: How do I connect my Braille Lite to my
(brand name) printer, computer, or modem?
Answer: You must connect the right cables and
match telecommunication settings between your
Braille Lite and the other device. We offer a wide
range of cables which connect the Braille Lite to
the most commonly used computers, printers,
and modems. For example, there are cables for
the PC/XT and PC/AT series of the IBM PC and
compatibles, as well as cables for the Apple
family of computers and printers. In addition,
we offer the serial to parallel converter cable for
use with parallel printers. Since your Braille Lite
has a parallel port, you won't need this
particular converter to link your unit to a parallel
printer. The Braille Lite is preset with the most
commonly used telecommunications settings. To
see how they are set, check them out from the
Status Menu.
Question: I connect my cable to my modem. It
fits but I cannot communicate.
Answer: The cable may fit, but you need a null
modem adapter to talk to the modem.
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 165

Question: I am connected to my modem with a
null modem adapter. When I try to
communicate, I hear, "Waiting on serial device".
Answer: The Carrier Detect must be changed. It
is low and must be made high. Try "at
ampersand c1" from a PC, then "at ampersand
w" to save the configuration.
Question: My Braille Lite cable fits into my PC's
serial port, but it will not communicate.
Answer: If the cable that comes with your Braille
Lite fits into your port with no adapters, then
you probably have it in the parallel port. Serial
ports are usually male, so you'll need a gender
adapter.
Question: I hear "File is full" and I'm hooked up
to a computer with my modem, or a printer.
Answer: If you're in duplex mode where material
is stored and/or echoed back from the other
device, and therefore appended to the end of
your currently open file, you might run into a
"File is full" error message. Turn off the serial
port and check the file's contents, deleting any
extraneous text. Also, it might help to change
the duplex or Echo feature of the device in
question.
Question: My Braille Lite doesn't speak the last
character it receives from the PC or bulletin
board to which I'm connected with my modem.
166 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Answer: You need to set the Interactive Timeout
parameter, normally set to 0 (or "off). Set this
parameter from the Status Menu. Speech
devices require specific signals - for example,
carriage returns and spaces - in order to speak
data they have received from another device.
Occasionally, the final signal sent from an
external device is not what the Braille Lite needs
to see. For these cases, the Braille Lite produces
a signal of its own. The interactive timeout
parameter sets the amount of time that the
Braille Lite waits before generating this signal.
Enter the Status Menu with an ST-SIGN CHORD
and write an X. You hear something like,
"Interactive timeout, 0", which means "off". You
can change the length of time the Braille Lite
waits before issuing the signal to speak the data
it has received from 1 to 255 tenths of a
second. So setting it to 10 means that the
Braille Lite waits one second before speaking
data it has received.
PRINTING QUESTIONS
Question: When I try to print, my printer won't
move to the next line.
Answer: Add linefeed is off. If you turn this
setting on, a linefeed character is sent to the
printer with every line that is printed.
Question: When I try to print, the Braille Lite
says, "Waiting on serial device".
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 167

Answer: The printer is probably off-line. Turn the
printer on-line. If this does not work, connect a
minitester in between the Braille Lite and the
printer. (The minitester comes with Blazie's
interface kit. Call for more information.)
Question: When I try to print, the Braille Lite
says, "Okay", but nothing happens.
Answer: First, check whether the
telecommunications settings on both devices
match. Check baud rate, parity, data bits, stop
bits, and handshaking. Next, try turning on Add
Linefeeds. Some printers need a linefeed
character with every line or they'll refuse to
cooperate. Next, check the pins in the serial
ports of both devices to see if they are bent or
broken.
Question: When I print either to a PC or printer,
I get garbage -mainly x's, p's and at signs.
Answer: Most likely, Baud rates don't match.
Check the Baud rate on both devices.
Question: When I print, my document is missing
characters. This is probably a handshaking
problem. The Braille Lite's handshaking may be
different from the printer's.
Question: I can't send or receive files from my
disk drive and I am properly connected to it. If I
press a T-CHORD, I don't hear the "disk drive"
message before the prompt, "Enter S to send or
168 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

R to receive" and if I press an S-CHORD from
within my file, I hear, "storage device missing".
Answer: Check that the disk drive is turned on. If
turning it on does not solve the problem, then
turn the Braille Lite off and on again.
Question: I'm connected to a computer or
bulletin board through a modem. But on the
Braille Lite, I can't see the text I'm hearing from
the other device on the Braille display.
Answer: You probably have serial tracking
turned off. If you move your display with the
advance bar, you'll see the text from the other
device. However, if you'd like the display to
move as information comes into your Braille Lite
from the other device, turn serial tracking on
from the Status Menu. Bring up the Status Menu
with an ST-SIGN CHORD and press a T-CHORD to
jump to the setting. Write a Y. Exit the Status
menu with an E-CHORD. From now on,
information coming in from the other device will
force the display to zap along too rapidly for you
to read the information as it's being
transmitted, but you'll know when the other
device has stopped sending because your
display will stop moving. You'll be at
approximately the last eighteen characters
worth of information the other device has sent.
This setup is good if you're familiar with the
menus on a bulletin board, for example, and
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 169

only need to see the prompt that ends a long
display of menu choices.
Question: I'm connected to a computer or
bulletin board through a modem and have serial
tracking turned on so I can see and hear
everything that's coming into the Braille Lite. I
can tell when the other device has stopped
sending because the display stops moving and I
see about the last eighteen characters worth of
text that's been transmitted. But on my Braille
display I can't see what I'm typing when I'm
responding to a prompt from the computer or
bulletin board.
Answer: You probably have keyboard tracking
turned off so that the Braille display's cursor
(dots 7-8) is not moving as you type. Bring up
the Status Menu with an ST-SIGN CHORD and
jump to the setting with a K-CHORD. Write a Y to
turn on keyboard tracking. Exit the Status Menu
with an E-CHORD. From now on, what you type
should be displayed as you write it. Since you
also have serial tracking on, though, when
information comes into your Braille Lite from the
other device, your Braille display will zap you to
approximately the last eighteen characters
worth of information sent by the other device. If
you don't want this to happen but you still want
to see what you're typing as you write, turn
serial tracking off. Bring up the Status Menu
again and press a T-CHORD to jump to the
setting. Write an N and exit the Status Menu
170 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

with an E-CHORD. Now, you should be able to
see what you're writing on the display and read
information coming in from the other device by
tapping the advance bar.
Question: I'm connected to a computer or
bulletin board through a modem, but whatever I
type is doubled, even though information
coming into my Braille Lite is fine.
Answer: Your telecommunications program and
some modems let you turn off the "echoing" of
your keystrokes. You're actually not transmitting
double characters to the other device. It's just
that it thinks you want to see each character it
got from you and so "echoes" it back. It'll
probably be quicker and easier to turn off
echoing from the Braille Lite side than from the
PC side of the link. What you want to do is
change your duplex to "full". Enter the Status
Menu with an ST-SIGN CHORD and jump to the
setting by writing a D. Then write an F to select
"full" duplex. Exit the Status menu with an E-
CHORD. From now on, what you type should look
fine.
CRASH AND RECOVERY QUESTIONS
Question: All of my files have become gibberish,
and when I go into the Files menu, the titles are
incorrect.
Answer: This rarely happens to our newer
revisions, but this sounds like a crash. In other
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 171

words, there may be something wrong with your
unit, but it may be fixable. Try a "warm" reset. If
that does not work, you must do a "cold" reset,
the I-CHORD. You do a "warm" reset to return all
Braille Lite settings to their default values
(except for the battery timer) without losing
data. When you press a FOR-SIGN CHORD the
Braille Lite says, "Warm reset, please verify".
When you press a second FOR-SIGN CHORD, it
says "Okay".
CAUTION: Do not use a warm reset within
another command or while data are being
transmitted.
You can also do a warm reset when you turn on
the Braille Lite. To issue the command, turn off
the Braille Lite. Then hold down all seven Braille
Lite keys as you turn on the power. Once power
is on, continue to hold down the keys for about a
second. Use the "cold" reset procedure only as a
last resort. All settings are reset to their
defaults and all files you may have created, as
well as their data, might be lost. For about 2
seconds, press an I-CHORD as you turn on the
power to the Braille Lite. You hear, "System
initialized; Braille Lite ready; Help is open;
delete all data in file areas, enter Y or N?" If you
answer, "Yes", it says, "Are you sure?" If you
still answer, "Yes", you hear beeps while the
Braille Lite "cleans up" things. Your data is
irrevocably lost. This process insures that no one
can recover your personal data - a good idea
172 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

when exchanging your Braille Lite for an
upgrade or a repaired machine.
Question: When I turn on my Braille Lite, it gives
the correct message, but every time I press a
chord or key, it either says, "space" or "file is
write-protected".
Answer: You may have write-protected the
currently open file and don't remember having
done so. Get into the Files menu and press an I-
CHORD to hear the status of the currently open
file. If it is write-protected, unprotect it with a
U-CHORD. Hold down DOT 3 as you power on. If
that still does not fix it, hold down all seven
keys when you power up to perform a "warm
reset".
Question: When I hit a chord, the Braille Lite
resets, saying, "Braille Lite ready".
Answer: This rarely happens, but a warm reset
usually fixes the problem.
BRAILLE TRANSLATION QUESTIONS
Question: I am using the Braille Lite as a speech
synthesizer. When I hit a key on my PC, I get the
Grade 2 equivalent, like do for D, can for C, etc.
Answer: Speech box mode uses the Clipboard as
a buffer. Go into the Clipboard and switch off the
translator.
Question: I am trying to use the Braille Lite
calendar alert feature. I pasted the date
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 173

correctly but I still don't hear the alert when I
turn on the unit.
Answer: If you entered the date in computer
Braille, the translator in the datebook file must
be off. If you pasted the date in Grade 1 Braille,
the translator must remain on in the datebook
file. See whether the date is written in computer
Braille or Grade 1 Braille, and then make sure
the translator is set to match. Also, see whether
Check Appointment is "on" from the Status
Menu. The Hotkey for Appointment Check is J.
BRAILLE DISPLAY QUESTIONS
Question: My Braille display is vibrating on and
off. Why?
Answer: The charge on the Braille Lite's built-in
battery could be low. If a warm reset does not
fix the problem, use the A.C. adapter to plug in
the Braille Lite and give it back some energy.
You should probably go ahead and let it
recharge anyway, but as long as you leave it
plugged into an outlet, you should be able to
use it without any problems.
Question: A dot on my display does not come up
and I'm having a hard time reading text
accurately, as a result.
Answer: The dot could have dirt clogged in it.
It's important that you keep the Braille display
as free from dirt as possible, and certainly, food
174 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

is off-limits around the Braille display. Call us to
have your unit repaired.
MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS
Question: The O-CHORD, K gives the wrong
answer.
Answer: The calculation must be on a line by
itself, with no other text. You must write it in
computer Braille - using dropped numbers and
correct operator symbols - as though you were
in the calculator. The Braille Lite must be in
Line Reading Mode, not Window or Sentence
Mode.
Question: I've started to issue a command, like
Insert text, or Find text, or a macro, but want to
cancel the process.
Answer: Abort with a Z-CHORD. This command
aborts almost any procedure. If, for example,
you issue the Insert command and change your
mind, a Z-CHORD prevents unintended insertion
of text. In addition, a Z-CHORD aborts the
transmission of data and releases the
handshake line in the event of a "handshake
hang- up". If you issue a Z-CHORD from within
the Help file, you leave Help and return to the
file in which you were last working.
Question: I don't hear anything when I press a
backspace (B-CHORD).
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 175

Answer: You might have duplex set to full or
none. Go into the Status Menu or the
Parameters Menu and change it to half.
Question: I moved files to my PC using the
external disk drive, but the file names are not
the same as they are on my notetaker. How can
I prevent this in the future?
Answer: You must use MS DOS file naming
conventions when naming Braille Lite files that
you plan to send to a PC or to the external disk
drive. The name of a file consists of a "filename"
and "extension", separated by a period. The
"filename" portion may contain up to eight
characters, and the extension up to three
characters. You may not use spaces or wildcard
characters (the asterisk and question mark) in a
filename. You do not have to use extensions but
most MS DOS files have them, especially
program files. Suppose you have a file in your
Braille Lite called "phonebook". When you send
it to the PC, it truncates to "phoneboo" because
DOS sees only the first eight characters and
eliminates the space character. So, if you’re
looking for the file on your PC to be written as it
is on your Braille Lite, you won't find it. It is
there, but it's called "phoneboo", not
"phonebook".
If you use WinDisk to transfer files to your PC,
you can use the newer 20 character naming
convention.
176 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Question: How and when can I use "wildcard"
characters in filenames?
Answer: You can use "wildcard" characters (the
asterisk and the question mark) as part of
filenames and their extensions from the Files
Menu during most commands that prompt you
to "Enter filename" - deleting files, marking or
unmarking files, getting file information, for
example. The marking and unmarking process is
available only in transmission of files with the
ymodem or kermit modem protocols. These
transmission options are available for the disk
drive, as well as for the serial port with the T-
CHORD command from the Files menu. The
asterisk and question mark must be entered in
computer Braille notation: DOTS 1-6 for the
asterisk, DOTS 1-4-5-6 for the question mark.
The asterisk replaces either the filename or the
extension portion of the name of a file; the
question mark replaces individual characters in
either the filename or extension portion of the
name of a file. Also, remember that the period
must also be in computer Braille (DOTS 4-6).
Here are two examples: Suppose you have five
files in your Braille Lite named "notes1",
"notes2", etc. and you want to work with them
as a group. At the "Enter filename" prompt, you
may write "notes" followed by a question mark
followed by an E-CHORD. All files that start with
the letters "notes" are affected. Now, suppose
you have several files that all have the
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 177

extension ".brl". At the "Enter filename" prompt,
you may write "*.brl" and an E-CHORD. All files
having the ".brl" extension are affected. Of
course, you may use the question mark more
than once to affect groups of files where only
some of the characters are the same and still
use the asterisk for the filename or extension
portion. For example, say you have a bunch of
files where the filename portions are all
different but whose extensions all start with A B
and have different ending characters. Let's say
the extensions of these files represent Braille
files for different states and you're using the
two-letter abbreviation for the states. Your files
have names like, "customer.bme", "vendor.bny",
"dealers.bfl". You can use the wildcard name
"*.b??" to refer to this group of files.
Question: I can't kill a "file" on my disk drive.
When I ask for a directory of files, the symbol
appears after the file I can't erase. Why?
Answer: It is not a file. It is a directory. While we
won't get into a lengthy discussion of MS DOS
commands and their meanings here, we'll try to
clarify the difference between a "file" and a
"directory". A file contains data you can access
(for example, a letter, a spread sheet), or a
program you can run (a word processor or a
database program). A directory is a grouping of
files. It may contain only data files, or program
files, or both. While the grouping of files in a
directory is somewhat arbitrary, most people
178 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

tend to group their program files in different
directories than their data files. When program
files and data files are related in some way - for
example, the program files generate the data
files - then the tendency is to group the data
files generated by those particular program files
in directories that are part of the directory that
contains the program files. These are called
subdirectories. Another way to picture it is this:
your disk is like a filing cabinet with drawers
(directories) that contain folders
(subdirectories). The folders contain envelopes
(files). In most cases, floppy disks aren't
divided for you into directories and
subdirectories. But, depending on the
complexity of the program and data files on a
disk, a person who is particular about keeping
program files distinct from data files may create
directories on a floppy disk. It's always a good
idea to look closely at the contents of a disk
when you first receive it. Who knows, its
arrangement might surprise you. But now you
know how to figure it out.
Question: My Braille Lite's voice sounds very flat
and it's not pausing smoothly at commas and
periods when I read through my files.
Answer: Somehow your voice inflection setting
got turned off. Bring up the Status Menu with an
ST-SIGN CHORD and write an I. Then write a Y to
turn on voice inflection. Exit the Status Menu
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 179

with an E-CHORD. From now on, your Braille Lite
should talk normally again.
Question: I'm seeing prompts and messages on
the Braille display all in computer Braille
instead of Grade 1 Braille.
Answer: Somehow, your Grade 1 messages
setting got turned off. Bring up the Status Menu
with an ST-SIGN CHORD and press a G-CHORD to
jump to the setting. Write a Y to turn it on. Exit
the Status menu with an E-CHORD. From now
on, any messages or prompts the Braille Lite
displays should appear in Grade 1 Braille.
180 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Appendix E:
ASCII Braille Symbols
This is the list of computer Braille equivalents
for the ASCII character set, including
punctuation, numbers, etc.
In this listing, information is presented in this
order: First, character name (names of numerals
and punctuation marks spelled out and
presented in regular alphabetic sequence),
ASCII value, Braille dot numbers used to
produce Braille equivalent of character. In the
case of control (CTRL) characters, dot patterns
are omitted.
A, Uppercase 65 DOT 1
a, lowercase 97 DOT 1
Accent, lowercase 96 DOT 4
Acknowledge 6 CTRL-F
Ampersand 38 DOTS 1-2-3-
4-6
Apostrophe 39 DOT 3
Asterisk 42 DOTS 1-6
At Sign, Uppercase 64 DOT 4
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 181

B, Uppercase 66 DOTS 1-2
b, lowercase 98 DOTS 1-2
Backspace 8 DOTS 1-2
CHORD
backslash,
(Reverse Slant) 92 DOTS 1-2-5-6
(Uppercase)
Bell 7 CTRL-G
C, Uppercase 67 DOTS 1-4
c, lowercase 99 DOTS 1-4
Cancel 24 CTRL-X
Caret, (Exponentiation) 94 DOTS 4-5
(Uppercase)
Carriage Return 13 CTRL-M
Close Brace 125 DOTS 1-2-4-
5-6(lowercase)
Close Bracket 93 DOTS 1-2-4-
5-(uppercase)
Close Parenthesis 41 DOTS 2-3-4-
5-6
Colon 58 DOTS 1-5-6
comma 44 DOT 6
D, Uppercase 68 DOTS 1-4-5
d, lowercase 100 DOTS 1-4-5
182 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Data Line Escape 16 CTRL-P
Decimal point (period) 46 DOTS 4-6
Delete 127 DOTS 4-5-6
(lowercase)
Device Control 1, 17 CTRL-Q
Device Control 2, 18 CTRL-R
Device Control 3, 19 CTRL-S
Device Control 4, 20 CTRL-T
Divided by, (Slash) 47 DOTS 3-4
Dollar Sign 36 DOTS 1-2-4-6
E, Uppercase 69 DOTS 1-5
e, lowercase 101 DOTS 1-5
eight 56 DOTS 2-3-6
End of Medium 25 CTRL-Y
End of Transmission 4 CTRL-D
End of Text 3 CTRL-C
Enquire 5 CTRL-E
Equals 61 DOTS 1-2-3-
4-5-6
Escape 27 CTRL-Open
Bracket
Exclamation point 33 DOTS 2-3-4-6
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 183

Exponentiation, (Caret) 94 DOTS 4-5
F, Uppercase 70 DOTS 1-2-4
f, lowercase 102 DOTS 1-2-4
File Separator 28 CTRL-Reverse
Slant
five 53 DOTS 2-6
Form Feed 12 CTRL-L
four 52 DOTS 2-5-6
G, Uppercase 71 DOTS 1-2-4-5
g, lowercase 103 DOTS 1-2-4-5
Grave Accent, (Accent) 96 DOT 4
(lowercase)
Greater Than,
(Right Angle Bracket) 62 DOTS 3-4-5
Group Separator 29 CTRL-Close
Bracket
H, Uppercase 72 DOTS 1-2-5
h, lowercase 104 DOTS 1-2-5
Horizontal Tabulation 9 CTRL-I
Hyphen, (minus) 45 DOTS 3-6
I, Uppercase 73 DOTS 2-4
i, lowercase 105 DOTS 2-4
J, Uppercase 74 DOTS 2-4-5
184 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

j, lowercase 106 DOTS 2-4-5
K, Uppercase 75 DOTS 1-3
k, lowercase 107 DOTS 1-3
L, Uppercase 76 DOTS 1-2-3
l, lowercase 108 DOTS 1-2-3
Left Angle Bracket,
(Less Than) 60 DOTS 1-2-6
Less Than,
(Left Angle bracket) 60 DOTS 1-2-6
Line Feed 10 CTRL-J
M, Uppercase 77 DOTS 1-3-4
m, lowercase 109 DOTS 1-3-4
Minus, (hyphen) 45 DOTS 3-6
N, Uppercase 78 DOTS 1-3-4-5
n, lowercase 110 DOTS 1-3-4-
5
Negative
Acknowledgement 21 CTRL-U
nine 57 DOTS 3-5
Null 0 CTRL-AT SIGN
Number Sign 35 DOTS 3-4-5-6
O, Uppercase 79 DOTS 1-3-5
o, lowercase 111 DOTS 1-3-5
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 185

one 49 DOT 2
Open Brace 123 DOTS 2-4-6
(lowercase)
Open Bracket 91 DOTS 2-4-6
(uppercase)
Open Parenthesis 40 DOTS 1-2-3-
5-6
P, Uppercase 80 DOTS 1-2-3-4
p, lowercase 112 DOTS 1-2-3-4
Percent Sign 37 DOTS 1-4-6
Period, (Decimal) 46 DOTS 4-6
Plus 43 DOTS 3-4-6
Q, Uppercase 81 DOTS 1-2-3-
4-5
q, lowercase 113 DOTS 1-2-3-
4-5
Question Mark 63 DOTS 1-4-5-6
Quotation Mark,
(Double Quote) 34 DOT 5
R, Uppercase 82 DOTS 1-2-3-5
r, lowercase 114 DOTS 1-2-3-5
Record Separator 30 CTRL-Caret
186 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Reverse Slant,
(backslash) 92 DOTS 1-2-5-6
(uppercase)
Right Angle Bracket,
(Greater Than) 62 DOTS 3-4-5
S, Uppercase 83 DOTS 2-3-4
s, lowercase 115 DOTS 2-3-4
Semicolon 59 DOTS 5-6
seven 55 DOTS 2-3-5-6
Shift In 15 CTRL-O
Shift Out 14 CTRL-N
six 54 DOTS 2-3-5
Space 32 No dots
Start of Heading 1 CTRL-A
Start of Text 2 CTRL-B
Substitute 26 CTRL-Z
Synchronous Idle 22 CTRL-V
T, Uppercase 84 DOTS 2-3-4-5
t, lowercase 116 DOTS 2-3-4-5
three 51 DOTS 2-5
Tilde 126 DOTS 4-5
(lowercase)
two 50 DOTS 2-3
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 187

U, Uppercase 85 DOTS 1-3-6
u, lowercase 117 DOTS 1-3-6
Underline 95 DOTS 4-5-6
(uppercase)
Unit Separator 31 CTRL-
Underline
V, Uppercase 86 DOTS 1-2-3-6
v, lowercase 118 DOTS 1-2-3-6
Vertical Line 124 DOTS 1-2-5-6
(lowercase)
Vertical Tabulation 11 CTRL-K
W, Uppercase 87 DOTS 2-4-5-6
w, lowercase 119 DOTS 2-4-5-6
X, Uppercase 88 DOTS 1-3-4-6
x, lowercase 120 DOTS 1-3-4-6
Y, Uppercase 89 DOTS 1-3-4-
5-6
y, lowercase 121 DOTS 1-3-4-
5-6
Z, Uppercase 90 DOTS 1-3-5-6
z, lowercase 122 DOTS 1-3-5-6
zero 48 DOTS 3-5-6
188 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Appendix F:
Contact Information
Thank you for purchasing the Braille Lite M20 or
M40.
Please let us know your comments and
suggestions concerning this product.
Freedom Scientific
11800 31 st Court North
St. Petersburg, FL 33716
Sales: (800) 444-4443 or (727) 803-8000
Sales FAX: (727) 803-8001
Technical support: (727) 803-8600
If returning a product for service, please call
Technical Support at (727) 803-8600 for an
RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization)
number.
E-mail: hardwaresupport@freedomscientific.com
World Wide Web site:
http://www.freedomscientific.com
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 189

IInnddeexx
190 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Index
Abort................................................ 50, 82, 102, 158
Advance Bar.........................................................4, 38
American, 12-hour time .......................................... 28
Append Mode .......................................................... 27
Inserting Text ...................................................... 20
Overwriting Text .................................................. 20
ASCII Braille Symbols............................................163
Battery....................................................................... 6
Charger................................................................... 6
Recharge ................................................................ 6
Rechargeable cell................................................... 7
baud rate ...................................................... 139, 150
Blazie Engineering..... 102, 103, 105, 123, 124, 172
Braille Display ................1, 3, 4, 139, 156, 157, 162
BRAILLE TRANSLATION .........................................156
Care of your Braille Lite M20/40............................... 3
Clipboard ................................................................. 21
Commands
Braille Display........................................................ 9
chording ................................................................. 8
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 191

display ................................................................... 8
Navigation ............................................................. 9
WinDisk 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 123, 137,
159
Compact Flash ............................. 35, 54, 58, 59, 121
computer Braille 25, 117, 156, 157, 160, 162, 163
computers .............................................................147
Configuring
Braille Lite settings .................................... 13, 154
Braille Parameters............................................... 26
Edit Parameters ................................................... 27
Connect Outloud....................................................100
Conventions............................................................... 7
Toggle.................................................................... 8
CRASH AND RECOVERY..........................................153
Cursor...................................................................... 34
Location ............................................................... 34
Routing Buttons................................................... 34
cursor movement keys .........................42, 51, 52, 53
data bits ....................................................... 102, 150
Delete Parameters
Block .................................................................... 42
192 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Character.............................................................. 42
Cursor to End of Text............................................ 43
Line ...................................................................... 42
Mark..................................................................... 43
Paragraph............................................................. 43
Sentence .............................................................. 43
Word..................................................................... 43
disk drive.........12, 16, 35, 100, 105, 150, 151, 159
duplex mode..........................................................148
Editing
Append Mode................................................ 20, 40
Copying ................................................................ 41
Delete Parameters ............................................... 42
Examples ............................................................. 44
Pasting................................................................. 45
PC Edit Mode........................................................ 40
Text...................................................................... 39
Editor....................................................................... 34
e-mail ....................................................................108
checking for .......................................................110
configuration......................................................108
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 193

creating new messages .....................................113
mailbox commands............................................111
parameters ........................................................116
reading...............................................................111
replying to or forwarding messages ..................115
Embossing............................................................... 85
European, 24-hour time.......................................... 28
External Disk Drive................................................105
Receiving ...........................................................107
Send Options .....................................................106
FAQ........................................................................147
File
Clipboard File....................................................... 15
Commands ........................................................... 57
Creating ............................................................... 16
Datebook File....................................................... 15
Deleting ............................................................... 18
Editing ................................................................. 20
Help File .............................................................. 15
Moving................................................................. 17
Opening ............................................................... 15
194 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Reading................................................................ 18
Renaming............................................................. 18
Saving .................................................................. 16
File Extensions
Bfm ...................................................................... 16
Brf ........................................................................ 16
Brl ........................................................................ 16
filenames................................................................. 16
Files......................................................................... 15
All File Mode........................................................ 23
Creating................................................................ 35
Embossing............................................................ 85
Managing ............................................................. 53
Moving ................................................................. 56
Opening ............................................................... 36
Printing ................................................................ 85
Renaming............................................................. 55
Find ......................................................................... 45
Case Sensitive Searches....................................... 47
Global Search ....................................................... 48
Find and Replace ..................................................... 46
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 195

Folder Mode
Flash Startup ....................................................... 23
RAM Startup ........................................................ 23
Folders ..............................................................23, 54
Creating .........................................................23, 55
Deleting .........................................................24, 55
Folders Mode ....................................................... 23
Renaming............................................................. 24
Formatting............................................................... 90
Attribute Marking ................................................ 91
Information Commands ....................................... 99
Margins and Alignment ....................................... 92
Other Commands ................................................. 98
Page Numbering.................................................. 95
Syntax.................................................................. 90
Tabs ..................................................................... 95
Grade 1 Braille ......................................................156
Grade 2 Braille ..................................................16, 26
handshaking.........................................102, 141, 150
Help File .................................................................... 8
Insert mode............................................................. 27
196 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Interactive Timeout parameter..............................149
JAWS......................................................................100
keyboard.................................................................... 3
Macros..................................................................... 81
Erasing ................................................................. 83
Executing ............................................................. 82
Nesting ................................................................ 83
Recording............................................................. 82
Speaking or Silencing .......................................... 82
Start-Up ............................................................... 83
Write-Protecting .................................................. 84
Memory ................. 3, 5, 7, 30, 52, 54, 74, 104, 125
Menu ....................................................................... 12
Disk Drive Storage................................................ 12
File ....................................................................... 12
Options ......................... 12, 51, 60, 61, 64, 75, 78
Speech Parameters ..................................... 14, 142
Status 7, 13, 19, 23, 26, 29, 40, 47, 54, 61, 144,
147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153, 156, 162
modems........................................................ 147, 153
Move Commands ..................................................... 10
Absolute Page...................................................... 10
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 197

Braille Page ......................................................... 10
Character.............................................................. 11
Line ...................................................................... 11
Mark..................................................................... 11
Print Page ............................................................ 12
Word .................................................................... 12
Note Taking.......................................................34, 40
null modem adapter..................................... 147, 148
parity....................................................102, 140, 150
phonetic representation .......................................... 36
Ports
AC Adapter......................................................... 5, 6
Compact Flash........................................................ 5
Earphone................................................................ 5
External speaker .................................................... 5
Modem................................................................... 5
Parallel ..........................................................5, 147
PS2 ........................................................................ 5
Serial .......................................132, 139, 142, 148
Tape recorder......................................................... 5
printers..................................................................147
198 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Printing.................................................................... 85
Document Layout ................................................. 89
Page Numbering .................................................. 89
Print Commands................................................... 86
Printer Compatibility............................................ 86
Status Menu Settings .......................................... 85
RAM.3, 23, 24, 42, 48, 50, 51, 54, 55, 58, 59, 102,
104, 106, 121
Reading ................................................................... 36
Braille .................................................................. 37
Character.............................................................. 36
File ................................................................ 18, 37
Line ...................................................................... 37
Word..................................................................... 36
Resetting ...............................................................118
Cold Reset ..........................................................119
Hardware Reset..................................................120
Warm reset ........................................................118
Reverse Advance ............................................ 38, 142
serial tracking...................................... 148, 151, 152
service contract ......................................................... 7
Speech
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 199

Turning off ........................................................... 26
Speech Parameters
Customizing ......................................................... 25
Key Click .............................................................. 26
Key Echo .............................................................. 26
Punctation............................................................ 14
Silent Keys........................................................... 26
Speed................................................................... 14
Voice ..............................................................14, 25
Volume ................................................................ 14
Spell Check.............................................................. 51
Add Words to Personal Dictionary ....................... 51
Bypass Word for Rest of Document ..................... 52
Enter the Correct Word in Document ................... 52
Read Words in Context......................................... 52
Repeat Incorrect Word......................................... 52
Skip Word............................................................. 52
Suggestion Words from a List.............................. 52
Suggestion Words Help ....................................... 53
stop bits ................................................................150
Switch
200 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D

Braille Display Mode .............................................. 5
On/Off .................................................................... 5
Technical support ..................................................172
telecommunication....................................... 147, 153
Time and Date .................................................. 28, 60
Announcing the Date ........................................... 62
Setting Hourly Announcement............................. 62
Setting the Date................................................... 63
Setting the Time .................................................. 60
Setting Time Format ............................................ 61
TRANSLATION ..........................................87, 98, 156
Updating Firmware ................................................120
Disk Drive...........................................................121
Getting Started ..................................................121
WinDisk ..............................................................123
Utilities
Calculator ................................................ 30, 68, 71
Datebook....................................................... 28, 64
Appointment Notification .......................... 29, 66
Browse Mode .................................64, 65, 66, 68
Phonebook .................................................... 29, 75
Part# 440013-001 Rev. D 201

Smart Calendar .................................................... 63
Stopwatch ............................................................ 67
Timer ................................................................... 68
Warm reset..................................118, 154, 155, 157
warranty .................................................................... 7
Whiz Wheels........................................................4, 39
WinDisk .................................................................100
Backup and Restore ...........................................104
Braille Lite Settings ...........................................101
Installing ...........................................................101
Leaving ..............................................................105
Requirements ....................................................101
Trouble Shooting ...............................................105
Using..................................................................102
write-protected .....................................................155
202 Part# 440013-001 Rev. D