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Help Tech Handy Tech Active Star User Manual

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U s e r M a n u a l
A c t i v e S t a r
Version 3.2
Horb, November 2020
Handy Tech is a trademark of Help Tech GmbH
©
All Rights Reserved
Help Tech GmbH; Brunnenstraße 10; 72 160 Horb, Germany
Phone : +49 7451 55 46 0; Fax: +49 7451 55 46 67
E-Mail:
info@helptech.de
- Internet:
www.helptech.de

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  • Page 1 U s e r M a n u a l A c t i v e S t a r Version 3.2 Horb, November 2020 Handy Tech is a trademark of Help Tech GmbH © All Rights Reserved Help Tech GmbH; Brunnenstraße 10; 72 160 Horb, Germany Phone : +49 7451 55 46 0;...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Active Star Table of Contents Table of Contents GENERAL Preface Active Star at a Glance 1.2.1 Top of the Unit 1.2.2 Right side of the device 1.2.3 Back side of the device 1.2.4 Bottom of the device Conventions Used in This Manual INSTALLATION Package Contents Software Installation...
  • Page 3 Active Star Table of Contents 5.1.2.1 New file 5.1.2.2 Previous file 5.1.2.3 New Folder 5.1.2.4 File and Folder list 5.1.3 Calculator (A) 5.1.4 Scheduler (S) 5.1.4.1 Entering a New Appointment (New Entry) 5.1.4.2 Entering and Editing Appointments 5.1.4.3 Entering Appointments with Variables (Recurring Appointments) 5.1.4.4 A Few Notes on Entering Appointments 5.1.4.5...
  • Page 4 Active Star Table of Contents 5.1.11.10 Startup mode (S) 5.1.11.11 Tone signals (T) 5.1.11.12 Date/time format (D) 5.1.11.13 Input indication (I) 5.1.11.14 dot firmness (F) 5.1.11.15 atc sensitivity (E) 5.1.11.16 standby (N) 5.1.11.17 Language 5.1.11.18 Mass storage 5.1.11.19 Battery charge enable 5.1.11.20 USB ext 5.1.11.21 Low energy braille output 5.1.11.22 Internal port...
  • Page 5 Active Star Table of Contents 5.2.23 Help (SPC+1 2 5 = Chord h) 5.2.24 The Editor's Setup Menu (SPC+1 3 6 = Chord u) 5.2.24.1 Window Scrolling (Global) 5.2.24.2 Scroll time (Global) 5.2.24.3 Indicate empty lines (Global) 5.2.24.4 Automatic scrolling (Global) 5.2.24.5 Dialog Timeout (Global) 5.2.24.6...
  • Page 6 Active Star Table of Contents 8.4.3 Repeat Keys Miscellaneous Info ACTIVE TACTILE CONTROL (ATC) ATC Assistant for Reading or Learning Tips for Utilizing ATC to Learn Braille Tips for Utilizing ATC for the Experienced Braille Reader ATC-Monitor Settings BATTERY MANAGEMENT 10.1 Battery Charging 10.2 Battery Capacity Display 10.3 Automatic Recognition of Low Voltage...

  • Page 7: General

    Active Star is a new-generation Braille display with note-taking function. Its note taking function as well as the universal connection options and the latest ATC technology all are patented by Help Tech. With the 16 GB data storage, you can use your Active Star to take notes at anytime, anywhere.
  • Page 8 Active Star General At the front, the two space bars are located in the center. In the following description, the left space bar is called [SPCL] and the right space bar is called [SPCR]. If either the left or the right space bar can be used they will be called [SPC]. To the right and left of the space bars are four function keys each.

  • Page 9: Right Side Of The Device

    Active Star General The expandable base is located behind the Braille display on the Braille display's top surface. In order to pull out the sliding surface, remove the qwerty keyboard and take the Active Star out of its case. Grasp the Active Star on its left and right sides near the center of the unit and slide the base back evenly with both thumbs.

  • Page 10: Conventions Used In This Manual

    Active Star General Conventions Used in This Manual In this manual, the following conventions are used for inputs and outputs on the Active Star and on the PC: Single keystrokes on Active Star: [Key1] e.g. [TLU] Key/dot combination on Active Star: [SPC + 1 2] Display on the Active Star modules: 'Display Text' such as 'File'...

  • Page 11: Installation

    Active Star Installation Installation This section contains helpful information about how to install your Active Star. Please read it carefully to prevent difficulties while setting up. Package Contents Please verify that your package contains all of the parts listed below. If one of the components is missing or damaged, please contact us in order to request the missing part or a replacement.
  • Page 12 Active Star Installation and display the installed screen reader, your consent is required. Please allow the execution of HTStart because otherwise the use of the program is not possible. Once you have selected a screen reader, the HTStart window appears in which all supported Handy Tech products are listed.

  • Page 13: Connecting The Power Supply

    Active Star Installation Connecting the Power Supply The power supply included in your package is used to recharge the battery and for providing power to the Active Star. The Active Star can be used without restrictions even while the battery is recharging. When connecting the power supply, please plug the square USB plug into the USB B port in the middle of the back side of the housing first.

  • Page 14: The Carrying Case

    Active Star Installation Immediately after start-up of the Active Star, the keyboard connected to it will always be in internal mode. If the Active Star is connected to a PC via USB or Bluetooth, you can control it with the Active Star’s keyboard (external mode).

  • Page 15: Bluetooth-Pc Tie-In

    Active Star Installation If no Bluetooth or USB connection is active, the Active Star automatically switches to internal mode. If the Active Star is connected to an iPhone via Bluetooth, for example, and if it changes to the lock screen, Active Star automatically switches to internal mode. You are then back to the same location in the internal mode from which you switched to the Bluetooth connection, e.g.

  • Page 16: Bluetooth-Android Device Tie-In

    Active Star Installation 1. Please make sure that the Active Star is turned on and Bluetooth is enabled. For this purpose, it may be necessary to switch the device off and on again. 2. Make sure the "iPhone Mode" option in the options menu is turned on. 3.

  • Page 17: Technical Specifications

    Active Star Installation Technical Specifications • 40 concave piezoelectric Braille cells • 40 cursor routing keys • 2 Triple Action Keys • 8 function keys • 2 space keys • Extract mechanism for placing a laptop • Smart phone compartment with Lightning iPhone connector •...

  • Page 18: Start Up

    Active Star Start Up Start Up Version Information As of this Section, all common characteristics of the Active Star will be described. This information applies from firmware Version 3.1 of your Active Star. Turning the Power On Press the on/off button to turn the Active Star on. You can now work independent of a power source, because the battery is fully charged.

  • Page 19: Basic Operation

    Active Star Start Up • NSRV (“next service“): month and year of the next due maintenance • LSRV (“last service“): month and year of last maintenance • T (“tasks“): Performed during the last maintenance o CPS (“caps“): caps exchanged o PNCLN (“pins cleaned“): Pins cleaned o PNRPL (“pins replaced“): pins exchanged •...

  • Page 20: Signal Tones

    Active Star Start Up 3.3.2 Signal Tones The Active Star utilizes various signal tones to indicate its status or to alert you to prompts or possible errors. 1. Startup sound: This is a tone signal, which sounds during start up. If the startup sound is preceded by a very short, high tone, followed by a pause, then the Active Star is in work mode.

  • Page 21: Radio Buttons (1 Of X)

    Active Star Start Up Note: If the Active Star is turned off without having closed the Options menu, the last changes to be entered will be lost. The new settings are saved only upon exiting the Options menu! 3.3.5 Radio Buttons (1 of x) Radio buttons are similar to incremental dials, e.g., from 0 to 10.
  • Page 22 Active Star Start Up ’Handy Tech ACTIVE STAR Save Mode 1.2’ The number at the end of the string is the version of the Save Mode. To get back into work mode, just switch the Active Star off/on again (with inserted micro SD card)

  • Page 23: Quick Start

    Active Star Quick Start Quick Start The Active Star as Braille Display In order to operate the Active Star as a Braille display under Windows, you need a special program called a screen reader to control the display, which is not included with the Active Star itself.

  • Page 24: Writing A Note

    Active Star Quick Start A detailed description of the menu items is contained in chapter 5.1. 4.2.2 Writing a Note To write a note, begin by pressing [TRC] as soon as the menu item 'File' is displayed. 'New file' will be displayed. If you press [TRC] now, a new file will be opened. The cursor, represented by the blinking dots 7 and 8, appears on the first space of the Braille display.

  • Page 25: Transferring Data Between The Active Star And A Pc

    Active Star Quick Start Select the desired file using [TD] and [TU], and then press [TRC]. You can then choose either 'Edit', 'View', 'cut', 'copy' 'Delete', 'rename' or 'file attributes'. If you select 'Edit', the file will open within the Editor. 4.2.5 Transferring data between the Active Star and a PC The Active Star offers three different options for file transfer: 1) via the file transfer program HTCom...

  • Page 26: Transferring A File Using Htcom From The Active Star To The Pc

    Active Star Quick Start 4.2.5.1 Transferring a File using HTCom from the Active Star to the PC Start up the HTCom program on your PC then select the menu item "Receive file" by means of the tab key or the arrow keys, followed by the Enter key. The PC will show all of the files on your Active Star.

  • Page 27: Operation Of The Active Star

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star Operation of the Active Star The Menu System The menu system is structured hierarchically, containing submenus and functions. In addition, the menu system has its own intelligence, so that only those menu items currently available are displayed.

  • Page 28: New File

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star 5.1.2.1 New file This menu item creates a new file. The file will be empty and can be edited. The cursor is located at the first Braille position. 5.1.2.2 Previous file This command opens the last file that was closed by the Editor. After opening the file, the cursor will appear at the same position it was in when the file was closed.
  • Page 29 Active Star Operation of the Active Star precise is the search. In the moment, the file or folder name is appearing the file is selected. It is not necessary to enter more characters. With backspace [SPC+1 2] you can delete entered characters. If no file is found matching the letters you entered, a warning signal will sound.
  • Page 30 Active Star Operation of the Active Star 5.1.2.4.5 copy (C) To copy a file or folder, choose the menu item „copy“ or press [SPC + 1 4] (Chord c) {Ctrl+c}. All marked objects will be copied into the clipboard. Then move to the folder, you want to insert it and press [SPC + 1 2 3 6] (Chord v) {Ctrl+v}.

  • Page 31: Calculator (A)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star 5.1.3 Calculator (A) The calculator function permits you to carry out calculations with your Active Star and to save the results or to insert them into a text. The calculator operates with an accuracy of 15 digits, and the decimal point can be positioned anywhere within these 15 digits.

  • Page 32: Scheduler (S)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star If you only want to insert the result of the last calculation into a text file, simply press [SPC+1 4 7] or {Ctrl+Shift+c} while in calculator mode. This copies the result of the last calculation into the clipboard, from where you can insert into any desired text file.

  • Page 33: Entering A New Appointment (New Entry)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star signal. The following paragraphs explain the Scheduler's various functions and capabilities in detail. 5.1.4.1 Entering a New Appointment (New Entry) After pressing [TRC], a form for entering the particulars of a new appointment will open. Depending on the number of Braille elements available on your system, several input fields will be displayed, which you can use to enter all the data related to that appointment.

  • Page 34: Entering Appointments With Variables (Recurring Appointments)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star If the cursor is at the first character position of the text field and you move to the left, you will exit the text field and activate the input field preceding the text field. •...

  • Page 35: A Few Notes On Entering Appointments

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star Once you enter a variable appointment, or confirm it after it has occurred, the Scheduler will inform you when that appointment will occur the next time. Please note: • If you want to be reminded of an appointment when you turn the power on, the only input field that contains variables should be the time field.
  • Page 36 Active Star Operation of the Active Star The sequence of the data fields shown on the schedule corresponds to the sequence of data input fields, except that the calendar week and the lead time are not displayed. The first column of the display contains a symbol indicating the type or status of the appointment.

  • Page 37: Full Text Search Within Appointments

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star 5.1.4.6 Full Text Search within Appointments A full text search is available for your appointments. It is activated by entering [SPC+1 2 4] in the appointment schedule. This command will call up a search prompt, where you can enter a search string of up to 40 characters.

  • Page 38: Information Regarding Past Appointments

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star Please note: The Delete function is the only function that applies to marked appointments. The other functions in this submenu apply only to the currently selected appointment. Key assignments in the appointment editing menu: •...

  • Page 39: Clock (C)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star Please note that you can only back up the file "PLANER.HSF" on your PC; you cannot edit it there. 5.1.5 Clock (C) The Clock function allows you not only to display the current date and time, but also to activate an alarm function.

  • Page 40: Stop Watch (S)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star changed by pressing the [TU] and [TD] keys. [TU] decreases the hour by one, [TD] increases the hour by one. To switch to the minutes setting, you may press either [TRC] or [SPC+8]. Entering [SPC+7] will move you to the previous setting.

  • Page 41: Games (G)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star You start MusikBraille by selecting its entry from the main menu of the Active Star, then selecting "New file" or an existing music file. You can then begin typing notes immediately and hear each note as you type it. In addition, each note will be played back to you when you read it on the Braille display.

  • Page 42: Braillehunt (B)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star 5.1.7.1 BrailleHunt (B) The game “Braille Hunt” relies on the reading position detected by ATC as the only means of control. Braille Hunt is the first game to be playable without ever pressing a single key. When the game starts, there will be thirteen dot patterns on the Braille display, each of them preceded by a full form to make them easier to identify.

  • Page 43: Braille Character Sets (B)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star is necessary only if you have previously switched from PC Mode into menu mode with [SPC+1 3 4] (Chord m). Please note that you must press the (SPC+1 3 4) keys for about one half second in order to return to menu mode from PC mode.

  • Page 44: Selecting And Activating Braille Tables

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star {Enter} key you can specify the Braille table slot where you want the table to be saved. Pressing the {Enter} key again will initiate the file transfer. Please note: If you work with the 6-dot character sets delivered with your Active Star, writing texts in the Editor, these texts will be stored entirely in upper case letters.

  • Page 45: Delete Selected Braille Set (D)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star standard character set. Switching into Monitor Mode is possible only if the screen reader's access to the Braille display has been deactivated. 2. Create a situation where you are back in the main menu, so that you can navigate from there to the menu item 'Braille character sets' by using the [TD] key.

  • Page 46: Keyboard Layout (K)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star • Low (x%): The battery charge is low but still sufficient. We recommend plugging in the charger. • Empty (x%): The battery charge is almost empty; a warning sound appears. Please plug in the charger immediately. •...

  • Page 47: Versions (V)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star 5.1.10.5 Versions (V) Here you can check the versions of several software modules of the Active Star. 5.1.10.5.1 Firmware You can use this function to display the version number of the firmware. This is the same version number that is displayed when you power up your Active Star.

  • Page 48: Dots Braille

    You take on a great deal of responsibility by being given the option of deleting system files. Help Tech GmbH therefore accepts no warranty claims arising from any damage caused by deleting system files.

  • Page 49: Show File Attributes (B)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star together with other keys, [7] and [8] retain their original function. For example, [SPC+7] still moves the cursor to the left, and capital letters can also be typed as usual. 5.1.11.7 show file attributes (B) This option controls whether file attributes are displayed on the file list or not.

  • Page 50: Tone Signals (T)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star at the same position it was at when the file was closed. Please note that this option will not open the file that was last opened, but the file that was last edited and saved. This option is the most useful one if you frequently use the Active Star to make notes in the same, already existing file after switching it on.

  • Page 51: Date/Time Format (D)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star 5.1.11.11.4 Battery warning (B) If the power supply of the battery reaches a critical value, the Active Star reminds you to save your data in time and recharge your battery every minute. If the capacity of the battery is known by the Active Star, the alert will be played when the estimated runtime is less than 30 minutes.

  • Page 52: Dot Firmness (F)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star Indicator tone we recommend selecting Latin mode. When entering Latin characters in Arabic text, a signal tone will appear. If you use a Braille table from Handy Tech, the search direction is automatically in the right way. 5.1.11.14 dot firmness (F) While reading text, it can be helpful to adjust the dot pressure of the Braille pins to your individual needs.

  • Page 53: Battery Charge Enable

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star Note: If you have changed this option, the change will not be active by quitting the options menu but by switching the Active Star back on again. Please be aware that you do not change or delete the data in the folder HTSYS as the correct functionality cannot be guaranteed.

  • Page 54: Battery Calibration: Refer Manual

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star However, if you connect the Active Star to a PC or laptop via Bluetooth, the iPhone mode must be switched off, otherwise the external keyboard can only be used to a limited extent. After changing the iPhone mode, the Bluetooth connection is reset, i.e.
  • Page 55 Active Star Operation of the Active Star iPhone mode: off Page 55...

  • Page 56: The Editor

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star The Editor The Editor allows you to read and edit files. Up to five files can be open at the same time. Any file can be opened from within the Editor if the exact name of the file is known. 5.2.1 Overview of Editor Functions The Editor provides the following features: •...

  • Page 57: Entering And Deleting Text

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star The Editor uses the following tone signals to alert you to successful actions, or to errors. (You can turn off the tone signals in the Active Star's Options menu.) • Confirmation (single beep): A function has been executed successfully. •...

  • Page 58: Atc Within The Editor

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star The Editor also provides an automatic reading mode. In this mode, the text scrolls forward automatically by one entire display line. The reading speed can be adjusted individually in the Editor's Setup menu, but you can also adjust the speed while you are reading by using the [TU] or [TD] key.

  • Page 59: Editing Modes (Spc+2 4 = Chord I)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star • You can also jump to the front or back of the current line of text by entering [SPC+1 3] to move to the front of the line, and [SPC+4 6] to move to the end of the line. •...

  • Page 60: Calculator Function

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star There is one more editing mode, the read-only mode, in which the text can only be displayed, not modified. If you are in read-only mode and attempt to enter text, the Active Star will only generate warning beeps. Read-only mode is specified while opening a file, and once the file has been opened, the editing mode cannot be changed.

  • Page 61: Jump To Mark (Spc+1 3 4 = Chord M)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star If you edit the text after you have set a mark, the position of the mark will be adjusted to reflect such changes. This means: • If you enter or delete any text, all marks located between the cursor position and the end of the text will be adjusted accordingly.

  • Page 62: Marking The Beginning Of A Block [Spc+Trc]

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star 5.2.13.1 Marking the Beginning of a Block [SPC+TRC] To mark the beginning of a block, place the cursor at the desired position and enter the key combination [SPC+TRC] or press the cursor routing key twice. You do not need to set a special mark for the end of a block.

  • Page 63: Paste (Spc+1 2 3 6 = Chord V)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star 5.2.13.4 Paste (SPC+1 2 3 6 = Chord v) Any text contained on the clipboard can be pasted at the current cursor position by entering [SPC+1 2 3 6] (Chord v), or you can open another file and paste the selection there.

  • Page 64: Saving A Block To A File (Spc+2 3 4 = Chord S)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star 5.2.13.7 Saving a Block to a File (SPC+2 3 4 = Chord s) When you have marked a block, you can save it in its own file by using [SPC+2 3 4] (Chord s). The text block will not be deleted from the current file. Additional details regarding the saving of files are contained in chapter 5.2.19.

  • Page 65: Backward Search (Spc+1 2 4 7 = Chord F)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star To indicate the difference between an incremental and a buffered search, the Active Star displays 'Search:' while you enter the search string. An incremental search is indicated by the prefix "I", a search in reverse direction by the prefix "R". If you are executing an incremental search in reverse direction, the prompt for entering the search string will look like this: 'I-Search back:'.

  • Page 66: Switching Between Open Files (Spc+5 6 8 Or Spc+2 3 7)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star Files may be opened from within the Editor as follows: 1. The [SPC+1 3 5] (Chord o) function opens a file which can then be edited. The Active Star will show: 'Open file:'. Alternatively, you can open a file in read-only mode with [SPC+1 3 5 7] (Chord O).

  • Page 67: Saving Files (Spc+2 3 4 = Chord S)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star !!!IMPORTANT!!! Never attempt any file transfers with the Editor open or suspended. The active or suspended Editor utilizes certain regions of memory which are needed during file transmissions for processing data. Also, the transfer of certain files causes the Active Star to restart.

  • Page 68: Quick Transfer Of Files Or Blocks Of Text To A Connected Device

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star When a file is closed and saved, all marks set for that file as well as the current cursor position will be remembered. If a file is then transferred to a PC, edited on the PC, and then retransmitted to the Active Star, the marks and current cursor position are no longer valid.

  • Page 69: Help (Spc+1 2 5 = Chord H)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star You can return to the Editor with [SPC+1 3 4] (Chord m). To do this, hold down [SPC+1 3 4] (Chord m) for a little while (approximately one half second). !!!WARNING!!! Before the Active Star is turned off, the Editor must be closed, with all edited files saved. You should therefore always return to the Active Star's internal menu by using [SPC+1 3 4] (Chord m), in order to ascertain the status of the Editor.

  • Page 70: Window Scrolling (Global)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star 5.2.24.1 Window Scrolling (Global) This value specifies by how many positions the display will be scrolled to the side when the cursor moves beyond the currently displayed text. Valid settings for this parameter are 0 through the number of Braille positions available (40).

  • Page 71: Warn Timeout (Global)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star 5.2.24.6 Warn Timeout (Global) This menu item determines the number of seconds for displaying messages and warnings. Remember, you can quit a message at any time by pressing [TLC]. If you press any other key while a message is being displayed, the timeout period is reset, and you have more time to read the message.

  • Page 72: Margin Action (Global)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star not using the standard character set, an umlaut or special character will only be found in the exact format in which you entered it (either upper or lower case). As a default, this option is turned off.

  • Page 73: Tab Stops (Global)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star 5.2.24.14 Tab Stops (Global) Valid arguments for this value are from 0 up to the maximum number of positions on your Active Star (40). If you specify 0, either a tab character or the number of spaces set under 'Tab Width' (see next section) will be inserted into the text each time you input the tab character, independent of your position within the text.

  • Page 74: Edit Mode (Individual File)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star always takes the opposite shape from the insert cursor. The two cursor formats are: an underline “Underline” or a block “Block”. Both shapes are blinking cursors, and that feature cannot be changed. 5.2.24.18 Edit Mode (Individual File) Dependent on which mode (edit or view) you opened this file, you find one of this three settings: •...

  • Page 75: Match Column (Global)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star remembered that the setting specified in the "Word Wrap" parameter (see chapter 5.2.24.12) also influences the movement of the display. 5.2.24.23 Match Column (Global) This setting contains the value for the position on the Braille display where a found search term will be displayed.

  • Page 76: Controlling The Pc From The Active Star's Keyboard [Spc+1 2 7] (Chord B)

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star needed. However, the prerequisite for this procedure is that you regularly save your data to the PC. Remember that a file cannot be deleted if it is open in the Editor. Close the file before suspending the Editor if it is open. •...

  • Page 77: Table Of Key Commands For Controlling The Pc

    Active Star Operation of the Active Star • Caps lock, for example in order to select blocks • Initiating the function keys, including in combination with CTRL, Shift, and ALT. This means it is possible, for example, to close certain windows or entire applications via function keys.
  • Page 78 Active Star Operation of the Active Star PC Key(s) Chord Emulated on the Active Star by Commands Previous word (Ctrl SPC + 3 Cursor left) Next word (Ctrl + Cursor SPC + 6 right) Page Up SPC + 2 Page Down SPC + 5 Ctrl + Page Up TLC + SPC + 2...

  • Page 79: External Keyboard

    Active Star External Keyboard External Keyboard An external keyboard may be connected directly to the Active Star. Keyboards of any make or model may be used, provided they comply with the following requirements: • USB connection • low current consumption (recommended 30 mA with LEDs turned off) The external keyboard transmits your key strokes to the Active Star in the same way as the internal Braille keyboard.

  • Page 80: Keyboard Keys

    Active Star External Keyboard Keyboard Keys In this section, you will find comments on some characteristics of using an external keyboard. They are generally caused by the fact that there are keys on a keyboard that make no sense when used in conjunction with the Active Star. 6.2.1 Alphanumerical Character Inputs There are no special characteristics regarding the input of alphanumerical characters on the central keyboard area.

  • Page 81: Status Indicators

    Active Star External Keyboard 6.2.6 Status Indicators LED status indicators are not used. This circumstance should be pointed out to sighted assistants. If the keyboard reacts in an unfamiliar manner, press the Shift and Control keys to ensure that no undesirable state has been activated. Page 81...

  • Page 82: The Active Star As Braille Display

    Active Star The Active Star as Braille Display The Active Star as Braille Display The Active Star is supported by various screen output programs that include drivers for the device, e. g.: • JAWS • SuperNova (Dolphin Systems) • NVDA •...
  • Page 83 Active Star The Active Star as Braille Display Control Key/Braille Dot Function [SPCR] If there is any text to the right of the Braille display section, it moves to the right, if not, it moves one line down and moves the cursor. Move the Braille display section one line down without changing the horizontal position.

  • Page 84: Screen Reader Using Windows, Example Supernova

    Active Star The Active Star as Braille Display % [1 2 3 4 5 6] Activate the screen reader settings menu (JAWS) [1 4 5] Desktop minimizes all applications [1 2 5] Activate JAWS Help (paste + F1) [4 6] [1 3] Shift Tab [1 2 4 5]...

  • Page 85: Overview

    Active Star The Active Star as Braille Display modules, this result in a mouse click at that text position, which means the cursor is now at this location. 7.2.1 Overview This table lists all functions associated with the keys on the Active Star. We have not included an exhaustive description of each of the functions, because they are already contained in the manual for SuperNova.

  • Page 86: Voiceover: Screen Reader For Apple Ios Devices

    Active Star The Active Star as Braille Display [1 3] Shift Tab [1 2 4 5] Literary Braille on/off m [1 3 4] Alternative for activating the menu bar [2 3 4] Start menu [2 3 5] Eight dot / six dot Braille [2 3 5 6] System Tray [1 3 5 6]...
  • Page 87 Active Star The Active Star as Braille Display Control Key/Braille Dot Function [SPC + 1 3 5] Scroll right one page [SPC + 2 4 6] Scroll left one page [SPC + 1 4 5 6] Page down [SPC + 1 2] Activates the Back button if present [SPC + 1 2 3] Move to the first element...

  • Page 88: Operation Settings For Handy Tech Braille Displays

    Active Star Operation Settings for Handy Tech Braille Displays Operation Settings for Handy Tech Braille Displays The universal Handy Tech Braille display driver features several optional settings for operating your Active Star with your PC and screen reader. In order to open the Settings window, activate the [1 8] keys simultaneously.

  • Page 89: Atc

    "Status Cells" tab, you can specify some of the options for these status modules yourself. The field "Device" allows you to specify which Handy Tech Active Star or Braille display you are using. By default, the actual connected device is recognized and becomes the default setting here.

  • Page 90: Key Actions

    Active Star Operation Settings for Handy Tech Braille Displays Key Actions This tab sheet allows you to adjust the behavior of the single keys strokes of your Active Star in the following three different ways: • Key Lock: Keys, defined as locked, will be ignored when pressed. •...

  • Page 91: Miscellaneous

    Active Star Operation Settings for Handy Tech Braille Displays Miscellaneous Under the tab "Miscellaneous", you can adjust the dot firmness and specify whether your actions should be tracked in a protocol file. Protocol function is available in case you enlist Technical Support.

  • Page 92: Active Tactile Control (Atc)

    Active Star Active Tactile Control (ATC) Active Tactile Control (ATC) The Active Star's integrated ATC technology now makes it possible for the first time to detect the Braille dots that you touch. By evaluating the nature of individual tactile contacts, your reading position on the Braille line can be determined. Using various assistant functions that can be customized, your reading position can be employed to control the screen reader.

  • Page 93: Atc Assistant For Reading Or Learning

    Active Star Active Tactile Control (ATC) If the check box "Show monitor after start-up" is checked, the ATC-monitor will automatically start upon the screen reader's start-up. If you want to turn on the ATC- monitor at a later time, you can go into this menu and activate the button "Start monitor now".

  • Page 94: Tips For Utilizing Atc To Learn Braille

    Active Star Active Tactile Control (ATC) • resting • reading backwards It is also possible to delay the speech output for a certain amount of time if you do not want the text to be spoken right away. This delay is entered in milliseconds. The possible range for this value is from 0 (no delay) to 5000 milliseconds.

  • Page 95: Tips For Utilizing Atc For The Experienced Braille Reader

    Active Star Active Tactile Control (ATC) the Settings window for Handy Tech Braille displays to "Learning". We recommend setting a speech output delay of approximately 2000 milliseconds, i.e., 2 seconds. Now when you activate ATC, you will have two seconds after having read an entire word to pronounce it yourself, before the speech output speaks the word as well.

  • Page 96: Atc-Monitor Settings

    Active Star Active Tactile Control (ATC) For "reading backward" we recommend assigning the action "route mouse cursor to reading position". This allows you with a small gesture to place the mouse pointer to your reading position. This can be helpful to route the attention of a sighted person to a specific text position.

  • Page 97: Battery Management

    Active Star Battery Management Battery Management Your Active Star features a lithium ion battery 5.200 mAh. The Active Star will operate for about 40 hours with a new, fully charged battery. This maximum run time decreases as the battery gets older. The battery survives up to 1000 charging and discharging cycles until its capacity weakens noticeably.

  • Page 98: Automatic Recognition Of Low Voltage

    Active Star Battery Management turned on again when it has been connected to the power supply or USB for recharging. With fully charged batteries, the voltage may increase to 4.2V. If you require information about the batteries, you can display all the important data in the Info menu, submenu Battery Statistics (see chapter 5.1.10.2).
  • Page 99 Active Star Battery Management 7. When inserting the new battery, make sure that the electronic contact is placed onto the contact pins inside the battery compartment. 8. You lock the cover again by inserting its pins into the appropriate recesses on the housing and then pushing down lightly on the catches.

  • Page 100: Important Information

    Active Star Important Information Important Information This section contains important safety and warranty information. Please make sure you have read this information before starting up your Active Star. The Braille device's selection circuitry uses a high voltage of 200 V for the operation of the Braille modules.

  • Page 101: Saving Files In Case Of Fatal Errors

    Active Star Important Information Note: If you receive a fatal error of the file system message after loading new firmware, the reason may be that the file system's version number has changed. 11.1.2 Saving Files in Case of Fatal Errors If you receive a fatal error message, but you have not made any changes to the firmware, it will unfortunately not be possible to salvage your files.
  • Page 102 Only representatives of Help Tech GmbH or its authorized dealers have permission to open the Active Star. The device contains no user-serviceable parts. In the event of a defect, please contact your dealer, or Help Tech directly. Only an authorized Handy Tech dealer has permission to service the device.

  • Page 103: Handling The Active Star

    Active Star Important Information This device must be disposed of at the end of its useful life in compliance with applicable guidelines for electronic devices. 11.5 Handling the Active Star The Active Star's Braille modules utilize the highly reliable and maintenance-free piezo technology.

  • Page 104: Technical Support

    If this does not result in the desired solution of your problem, do not hesitate to contact Help Tech GmbH in Horb directly. You have the following options: Mail: Help Tech GmbH, Brunnenstr. 10, D-72160 Horb, Germany...

  • Page 105: List Of Key Combinations

    Active Star List of Key Combinations List of Key Combinations The following list contains all important functions with their key combinations. The digits in the right column refer to Braille dots. 12.1 Navigating the Menu System Function Keys One menu item to the left TU or SPC+7 or SPC+1 One menu item to the right TD or SPC+8 or SPC+4...

  • Page 106: Keys In Pc Mode

    Active Star List of Key Combinations beginning of block Cut block Chord x (SPC+1 3 4 6) Copy block Chord c (SPC+1 4) Delete block (without copying) Chord X (SPC+1 3 4 6 7), or SPC+1 2 Paste block Chord v (SPC+1 2 3 6) Exchange mark and cursor SPC+7 8 Toggle insert/overwrite mode...
  • Page 107 Active Star List of Key Combinations Delete block (without copying) Ctrl+X or backspace Paste block Ctrl+v Exchange mark and cursor Ctrl+Tab Status display Ctrl+S Incremental forward search Ctrl+f Incremental backward search Ctrl+F Forward search and replace Ctrl+r ESC function Navigation Arrow keys Cursor to previous word Ctrl+cursor left...

  • Page 108: Error Messages

    Active Star Error Messages Error Messages This section contains the error messages that can be displayed on the Active Star. Some messages are always in English, because they are not part of the message file. They come directly out of firmware, because they have to be always available. 13.1 English Language Error Messages These messages contain abbreviations, which indicate the error status.

  • Page 109: General Errors

    Active Star Error Messages Remedy: Load the message file that matches the current firmware. "FER in file system: Flash disk must be formatted." Cause: A serious error occurred while checking the file system. 1. You have updated the firmware and the file system's version number has changed.

  • Page 110: Error Messages From The Message File

    Only manufacturer authorized personnel may change the internal battery, because the housing must be opened for this purpose. Please send your Active Star to an authorized dealer, or directly to Help Tech. "WRN: No kbd layout found. Using standard layout."...

  • Page 111: Editor Messages

    You take on a great deal of responsibility by being given the option of deleting system files. Help Tech GmbH therefore accepts no warranty claims arising from any damage caused by deleting system files.
  • Page 112 Active Star Error Messages "Bookmark M does not exist" Cause: While jumping to a bookmark, you specified a mark that does not exist. M is the name you entered. Remedy: Try to enter the name of the mark again, or navigate through the list of available marks using the cursor-up and cursor-down commands.
  • Page 113 Active Star Error Messages Remedy: Close any files not currently needed to make room for more pages. "Switching to read-only mode" Cause: You are attempting to open a file. The Editor determines that with the amount of memory left, the file can be opened, but not edited. Remedy: Close and save any files not currently needed.
  • Page 114 Active Star Error Messages configuration file is deleted and then regenerated. Although this causes the loss of all configuration settings saved for a file, such as marks, it is necessary because of safety concerns. Page 114...

  • Page 115: Copyright Notice

    Active Star Copyright Notice Copyright Notice All rights reserved, copyright Help Tech GmbH. No portion of this manual may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from Help Tech GmbH. Handy Tech is a trademark of Help Tech GmbH.

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