Help Tech Handy Tech Active Star User manual

U s e r M a n u a l
Active Star
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: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail] - Internet: www.helptech.de

Active Star
Table of Contents
Page 2
Table of Contents
1GENERAL 7
1.1 Preface 7
1.2 Active Star at a Glance 7
1.2.1 Top of the Unit 7
1.2.2 Right side of the device 9
1.2.3 Back side of the device 9
1.2.4 Bottom of the device 9
1.3 Conventions Used in This Manual 10
2INSTALLATION 11
2.1 Package Contents 11
2.2 Software Installation 11
2.3 Connecting the Power Supply 13
2.4Connecting the Interface Cable 13
2.5 Connecting the external USB keyboard 13
2.6 The Carrying Case 14
2.7 Installation of the Bluetooth Tie-In 14
2.7.1 Bluetooth-PC Tie-In 15
2.7.2 Bluetooth Apple iOS Device Tie-In 15
2.7.3 Bluetooth-Android Device Tie-In 16
2.8 Technical Specifications 17
3START UP 18
3.1 Version Information 18
3.2 Turning the Power On 18
3.3 Basic Operation 19
3.3.1 Chords 19
3.3.2 Signal Tones 20
3.3.3 System Messages 20
3.3.4 Check Boxes 20
3.3.5 Radio Buttons (1 of x) 21
3.3.6 System Files 21
3.3.7 Energy Saving Features 21
3.3.8 The SAVE Mode 21
4QUICK START 23
4.1 The Active Star as Braille Display 23
4.2 The Active Star as Notepad 23
4.2.1 Navigating the Menu 23
4.2.2 Writing a Note 24
4.2.3 Saving a Note 24
4.2.4 Opening a File 24
4.2.5 Transferring data between the Active Star and a PC 25
4.2.5.1 Transferring a File using HTCom from the Active Star to the PC 26
4.2.5.2 Transferring a File using HTCom from the PC to the Active Star 26
5OPERATION OF THE ACTIVE STAR 27
5.1 The Menu System 27
5.1.1 menu 27
5.1.2 File (F) 27

Active Star
Table of Contents
Page 3
5.1.2.1 New file 28
5.1.2.2 Previous file 28
5.1.2.3 New Folder 28
5.1.2.4 File and Folder list 28
5.1.3 Calculator (A) 31
5.1.4 Scheduler (S) 32
5.1.4.1 Entering a New Appointment (New Entry) 33
5.1.4.2 Entering and Editing Appointments 33
5.1.4.3 Entering Appointments with Variables (Recurring Appointments) 34
5.1.4.4 A Few Notes on Entering Appointments 35
5.1.4.5 The Appointment Schedule 35
5.1.4.6 Full Text Search within Appointments 37
5.1.4.7 Appointment Editing Menu 37
5.1.4.8 Information Regarding Past Appointments 38
5.1.4.9 Resources Management 38
5.1.4.10 Backing up the scheduler data 38
5.1.5 Clock (C) 39
5.1.5.1 Display date/time (D) 39
5.1.5.2 set Alarm (A) 39
5.1.5.3 set Clock (C) 39
5.1.5.4 Stop watch (S) 40
5.1.5.5 count down (O) 40
5.1.6 MusikBraille (M) 40
5.1.7 Games (G) 41
5.1.7.1 BrailleHunt (B) 42
5.1.7.2 Hangman (H) 42
5.1.8 PC mode (P) 42
5.1.9 Braille character sets (B) 43
5.1.9.1 Creating a Braille Character Set 43
5.1.9.2 Loading Braille Character Sets 43
5.1.9.3 Selecting and Activating Braille Tables 44
5.1.9.4 Delete selected braille set (D) 45
5.1.10 Info (I) 45
5.1.10.1 Memory usage (M) 45
5.1.10.2 Battery statistics (B) 45
5.1.10.3 Keyboard layout (K) 46
5.1.10.4 Serial number (S) 46
5.1.10.5 Versions (V) 47
5.1.10.6 Maintenance info 47
5.1.10.7 System information 47
5.1.11 Options (O) 47
5.1.11.1 6 dots braille (6) 48
5.1.11.2 Hotkeys Activate objects (A) 48
5.1.11.3 Highlight hotkeys (H) 48
5.1.11.4 show system files (Y) 48
5.1.11.5 Folders first (O) 48
5.1.11.6 Quick entry (Q) 48
5.1.11.7 show file attributes (B) 49
5.1.11.8 auto switch external keyboard (X) 49
5.1.11.9 switch Active Star automatic off 49

Active Star
Table of Contents
Page 4
5.1.11.10 Startup mode (S) 49
5.1.11.11 Tone signals (T) 50
5.1.11.12 Date/time format (D) 51
5.1.11.13 Input indication (I) 51
5.1.11.14 dot firmness (F) 52
5.1.11.15 atc sensitivity (E) 52
5.1.11.16 standby (N) 52
5.1.11.17 Language 52
5.1.11.18 Mass storage 52
5.1.11.19 Battery charge enable 53
5.1.11.20 USB ext 53
5.1.11.21 Low energy braille output 53
5.1.11.22 Internal port 53
5.1.11.23 iPhone mode 53
5.1.11.24 Battery calibration: refer manual 54
5.1.11.25 Restore factory defaults (R) 54
5.2 The Editor 56
5.2.1 Overview of Editor Functions 56
5.2.2 Dialogs and Confirmation of Actions 56
5.2.3 Entering and Deleting Text 57
5.2.4 Reading Text 57
5.2.5 ATC within the Editor 58
5.2.6 Moving the Cursor 58
5.2.7 Editing Modes (SPC+2 4 = Chord i) 59
5.2.8 Calculator function 60
5.2.9 Status Display (SPC+2 3 4 7 = Chord S) 60
5.2.10 Set Mark (TU+TD) 60
5.2.11 Jump to Mark (SPC+1 3 4 = Chord m) 61
5.2.12 Delete Mark (TU+TD, Select Name, SPC) 61
5.2.13 Block Functions 61
5.2.13.1 Marking the Beginning of a Block [SPC+TRC] 62
5.2.13.2 Copy (SPC+1 4 = Chord c) 62
5.2.13.3 Cut (SPC+ 1 3 4 6 = Chord x) 62
5.2.13.4 Paste (SPC+1 2 3 6 = Chord v) 63
5.2.13.5 Exchange Mark and Cursor (SPC+7 8) 63
5.2.13.6 Deleting a Text Block (SPC+ 1 3 4 6 7 = Chord X, SPC+1 2 = Chord b)63
5.2.13.7 Saving a Block to a File (SPC+2 3 4 = Chord s) 64
5.2.14 Searches 64
5.2.14.1 Incremental Search (SPC+1 2 4 = Chord f) 64
5.2.14.2 Buffered Search 64
5.2.14.3 Backward Search (SPC+1 2 4 7 = Chord F) 65
5.2.15 Replace (SPC+1 2 3 5 = Chord r) 65
5.2.16 Opening Additional Files 65
5.2.17 Switching Between Open Files (SPC+5 6 8 or SPC+2 3 7) 66
5.2.18 Suspending the Editor (SPC+1 2 3 4 5 6) 66
5.2.19 Saving Files (SPC+2 3 4 = Chord s) 67
5.2.20 Quick transfer of files or blocks of text to a connected device (SPC + 1 5 7
= Chord E) 68
5.2.21 Closing a File and Quitting the Editor (SPC+1 5 = Chord e) 68
5.2.22 Activating PC Mode from the Editor (SPC+1 2 3 4 = Chord p) 68

Active Star
Table of Contents
Page 5
5.2.23 Help (SPC+1 2 5 = Chord h) 69
5.2.24 The Editor's Setup Menu (SPC+1 3 6 = Chord u) 69
5.2.24.1 Window Scrolling (Global) 70
5.2.24.2 Scroll time (Global) 70
5.2.24.3 Indicate empty lines (Global) 70
5.2.24.4 Automatic scrolling (Global) 70
5.2.24.5 Dialog Timeout (Global) 70
5.2.24.6 Warn Timeout (Global) 71
5.2.24.7 Result position [c] or [e] 71
5.2.24.8 Keep expression [c] or [e] 71
5.2.24.9 Find Exact (Global) 71
5.2.24.10 Margin Action (Global) 72
5.2.24.11 Right Margin (Global) 72
5.2.24.12 Word Wrap (Global) 72
5.2.24.13 Tab Mode (Global) 72
5.2.24.14 Tab Stops (Global) 73
5.2.24.15 Tab Width (Global) 73
5.2.24.16 Line End (Individual File) 73
5.2.24.17 Insert Cursor (Global) 73
5.2.24.18 Edit Mode (Individual File) 74
5.2.24.19 Scroll Speed (Global) 74
5.2.24.20 Saved Position (Individual File) 74
5.2.24.21 Display Mode (Individual File) 74
5.2.24.22 Step Size (Global) 74
5.2.24.23 Match Column (Global) 75
5.2.25 Important Instructions Regarding the Editor 75
5.3 Controlling the PC from the Active Star's Keyboard [SPC+1 2 7] (Chord B)76
5.3.1 Table of Key Commands for Controlling the PC 77
6EXTERNAL KEYBOARD 79
6.1 General 79
6.2 Keyboard Keys 80
6.2.1 Alphanumerical Character Inputs 80
6.2.2 Numerical Pad 80
6.2.3 Function Keys 80
6.2.4 Navigation Keys 80
6.2.5 Special Keys 80
6.2.6 Status Indicators 81
7THE ACTIVE STAR AS BRAILLE DISPLAY 82
7.1 Screen readers using Windows, Example JAWS 82
7.1.1 Overview 82
7.2 Screen reader using Windows, Example SuperNova 84
7.2.1 Overview 85
7.3 VoiceOver: Screen reader for Apple iOS Devices 86
8OPERATION SETTINGS FOR HANDY TECH BRAILLE DISPLAYS 88
8.1 Connection 88
8.2 ATC 89
8.3 Status Cells 89
8.4 Key Actions 90
8.4.1 Key Lock 90
8.4.2 Fast Keys 90

Active Star
Table of Contents
Page 6
8.4.3 Repeat Keys 90
8.5 Miscellaneous 91
8.6 Info 91
9ACTIVE TACTILE CONTROL (ATC) 92
9.1 ATC Assistant for Reading or Learning 93
9.2 Tips for Utilizing ATC to Learn Braille 94
9.3 Tips for Utilizing ATC for the Experienced Braille Reader 95
9.4 ATC-Monitor Settings 96
10 BATTERY MANAGEMENT 97
10.1 Battery Charging 97
10.2 Battery Capacity Display 97
10.3 Automatic Recognition of Low Voltage 98
10.4 Replacing the Battery 98
11 IMPORTANT INFORMATION 100
11.1 Start-Up Procedures 100
11.1.1 Self-check of the File System 100
11.1.2 Saving Files in Case of Fatal Errors 101
11.2 Symbols 101
11.3 Safety Information under the Standards for Medical Devices 101
11.4 General Safety Information 101
11.5 Handling the Active Star 103
11.6 Warranty 103
11.7 Technical Support 104
12 LIST OF KEY COMBINATIONS 105
12.1 Navigating the Menu System 105
12.2 Editor Functions 105
12.3 Keys in PC Mode 106
12.4 Fixed Key Functions on External Keyboard 106
13 ERROR MESSAGES 108
13.1 English Language Error Messages 108
13.1.1 Fatal Errors 108
13.1.2 General Errors 109
13.1.3 Warnings and Messages 109
13.2 Error Messages from the Message File 110
13.2.1 General Messages 110
13.2.2 File System Messages 110
13.2.3 Editor Messages 111
14 COPYRIGHT NOTICE 115

Active Star
General
Page 7
1 General
Thank you for choosing the Active Star. Active Star was designed with the focus on easy
and intuitive handling. Please take some time to read the Active Star user manual. It will
help you to get the most out of every feature provided.
1.1 Preface
Before starting Active Star for the first time it is important to carefully read the safety
instructions regarding the appropriate handling. You will find the safety instructions at the
end of this manual.
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. With the HTCom software package (included) the transfer of your notes to your
PC and back into Active Star is easy and straightforward.
The Active Star comes with wireless Bluetooth technology allowing you to control a PC or
Mobile assistant like a smart phone.
To use Active Star as a Braille display for a PC (Windows or Linux) an output program
called screen reader is needed. It is available from your supplier. The screen reader
program NVDA will be provided for free if needed.
If you have any ideas or suggestions to improve our product, please do not hesitate to
contact your Handy Tech customer service representative or write to [e-mail].
Your opinion is very important to us.
Enjoy using Active Star.
1.2 Active Star at a Glance
This chapter will help you familiarize yourself with your Active Star and its control
elements. We recommend keeping the Active Star handy, so that you can actively follow
the instructions in this chapter.
1.2.1 Top of the Unit
Please unfasten the carrier's Velcro closure on the bottom flap and fold the flap towards
the back. On the Active Star’s base, you will notice a compact PC keyboard with markings
for the visually impaired. It is connected directly to the Active Star with a short USB cable
for direct text input capability and is secured with magnets against falling down.

Active Star
General
Page 8
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. These function keys are
also used for Braille input. They correspond to the usual Braille keyboard layout and are,
from the left to the right as follows:
7 3 2 1 4 5 6 8
Behind this keys are 40 ergonomic Braille display elements with integrated cursor routing
keys. The cursor routing (CR) keys which are integrated as part of each Braille cell enable
you to place the cursor directly at the text position of this Braille cell.
The Triple Action Keys are to the left and right of the Braille display and flush with the
Braille cells. You can activate the Triple Action keys at the top, in the center, and at the
bottom.
The Triple Action Key functions are:
The left or right Triple Action Key's (Up) position also serves as a reading key to move
backward within the text and will be referred to as [TLU] or [TRU] in the list below. The left
or right Triple Action Key's (Down) position also serves as a reading key to move forward
through the text and are referred to as [TLD] or [TRD] in the list below. In the event of the
right as well as the left Triple Action Key (Up) can be pressed, it is called [TU]. If
alternatively, the Triple Action Key left or right (Down) can be used, this is called [TD]. In
the case that you need to press both [TU] and [TD] simultaneously, such as setting a mark
within the Editor, you may press the keys at the top left [TLU] and bottom right [TRD], or at
bottom left [TLD] and top right [TRU].
The center position of either the left or the right Triple Action Key [TLC] and [TRC] can be
used for additional functions.
In the list below, you will find an overview of the symbols used in this manual to represent
the Triple Action Key settings:
Left Triple Action Key, up: [TLU]
Left Triple Action Key, center: [TLC]
Left Triple Action Key, down: [TLD]
Right Triple Action Key, up: [TRU]
Right Triple Action Key, center: [TRC]
Right Triple Action Key, down: [TRD]
In all cases where there is a case for pressing [TU] and [TD] simultaneously, such as
setting a mark within the Editor, you may press the keys at the top left [TLU] and bottom
right [TRD], or at bottom left [TLD] and top right [TRU].
The area behind the Braille cells was designed extendable to allow a comfortable
combination of the Active Star with a laptop. Therefore, you can expand the housing to a
stable surface for placing your laptop.

Active Star
General
Page 9
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. You will feel slight catches
during this sliding motion. The two guide points for your thumbs are immediately behind
the Triple Action Keys.
When opening the expandable base completely, you find a rectangular hollow, which can
be used for placing an external device like a Bluetooth audio receiver or smart phone. If
you connect the optional audio receiver via Bluetooth with your PC or Laptop, you can
hear the audio output through the Active Star’s speakers.
Alternatively, you can also connect a smartphone or mini PC. Please note, that you have
to change the power settings within the Option menu as well, as described in chapter
“5.1.11.22 Internal port “.
The micro USB connector is fixed on the right side of the hollow. Above the USB cable, in
the center on the right side of the hollow, you can find a 3.5 mm headphone jack to
connect the audio output of the inserted device to the internal speakers of the Active Star.
1.2.2 Right side of the device
If you move along the right side of the housing towards the back, you will first feel the main
power button. Located behind the power button is a round headphone plug (3.5 mm) to
connect a headphone or an external loudspeaker.
1.2.3 Back side of the device
On the back side of the device are from the left to the right –a square USB type B port to
connect a PC, two USB type A ports to connect a USB keyboard and a slot for the micro
SD card. The micro SD card is fitted exactly between the upper and lower housing shell
into the device.
Please do not remove the micro SD card at any time from the device while it is on. Data on
the card can be damaged. Please turn the Active Star off, before you insert or remove the
micro SD card.
1.2.4 Bottom of the device
The Active Star is equipped with a square lithium-ion battery. The battery compartment is
located in the left rear corner of the Active Star. To open the battery compartment, drag
the locking latch which you can find approximately in the center of the unit in direction of
the rear panel. Then you can remove the lid of the battery compartment and remove the
battery. Please switch off the Active Star and disconnect all cables before you remove the
battery.
We recommend not removing the battery at all, because after replacing the battery the
capacity is not shown accurately. In order to show the right battery capacity, a complete
and lengthy discharging and charging cycle for calibration is necessary.
If it is necessary to reset the Active Star, please use a pointy object such as a paperclip, to
press the reset button on the bottom of the Active Star. The reset button is located about 3
cm from the right side between the audio jack and the on-off switch in a small round hole.

Active Star
General
Page 10
1.3 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'
Single keystrokes on PC: {Key}, e.g., {ENTER}
Text input on PC: {input text}, e.g., {HTCOM}
Text output on PC: "output text" such as "Done"

Active Star
Installation
Page 11
2 Installation
This section contains helpful information about how to install your Active Star. Please read
it carefully to prevent difficulties while setting up.
2.1 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.
You should find enclosed the following:
•Active Star
•Compact qwerty keyboard
•16 GB micro SD card (already inserted)
•Carrying case
•2 USB cables (one short, one long)
•1 lithium ion battery 5200 mAh (already inserted)
•1 power adapter 5 Volt for charging the battery
•1 angle connector USB A for connecting the compact qwerty keyboard
•Software Package with drivers for screen readers and HTCom (USB StartStick)
•User manual (USB StartStick)
•User manual for file transfer with HTCom (USB StartStick)
•Quick Reference in Braille
2.2 Software Installation
In order to use the Active Star as a Braille display for your computer, you need the
corresponding Braille display driver for your screen reader. You will also need the data
transfer program HTCom for exchanging files between PC and Active Star.
To install the required software, plug the included USB memory stick with the inscription
StartStick into a free USB port on your PC. The StartStick with the HTStart program is a
USB stick that contains all the relevant drivers and documents that you need to operate
your Handy Tech Braille display. In addition, it contains the free NVDA screen reader, so
that you can operate the PC immediately, even if no screen reader (JAWS or Supernova)
is installed.
After plugging the StartStick into your PC, run the start.exe program from the root
directory. If a screen reader is already installed, it is available for use. Otherwise, the
supplied screen reader NVDA provides access via speech output and Braille support.
HTStart recognizes which Handy Tech display is connected to your PC and automatically
makes the pre-selection for the installation of all the necessary drivers and software
components. Depending on the security settings of your operating system, you may be
prompted to allow the execution of the program HTStart. To enable HTStart to determine

Active Star
Installation
Page 12
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. The national language is pre-selected based
on your Windows settings. However, in the selection list, you can select another language.
In the product list you find the manuals in the selected language. If the manual in the
selected language is not available, the English manual appears instead.
You can choose the following components of the software, to be installed:
•JAWS driver: latest Braille display driver for JAWS for Windows
•Supernova driver: latest Braille display driver for Supernova
•Active Star Firmware and Manuals: for updating the internal functions of your Active
Star and this user manual.
•HTCom (Handy Tech Communication Software): communication program for file
transfer between PC and Active Star
We recommend that you use the default setting for the installation. All required software
components will be installed and a link for HTCom on the Desktop will be created. After
completion of the installation program you will find a group named "Handy Tech" in
programs in the start menu. Here you find the following subfolders:
•BrailleDriver: here you find the key settings of your Active Star for your screen
reader.
•Active Star followed by the version number: for version 3.0 it is for example "Active
Star 3.0". Here you find this user manual, the uninstall program, the program for
updating the firmware and important remarks.
•HTCom: here you find the description of HTCom, the program HTCom itself and the
uninstall program.
After installing successfully, you can hook on your Active Star on to your computer. In the
installation folder of your Active Star firmware you will find the following subfolders (when
installed completely):
•Braille tables: contains the various Braille character sets for different Country
versions.
•Firmware: contains four files for the internal programming of your Active Star as well
as system files.
•Manuals: includes this user manual and important information
•KeyboardLayouts: contains different keyboard files for different countries.
•Uninstall: contains the uninstall program for this software.
Beside the start menu you can start HTCom wire the link on your desktop or wire the
preset key combination {Ctrl+Shift+H}. A detailed description of how to use HTCom you
will find this in the separate user manual "File transfer between PC and Active Star" which
can be found in the sub folder "HTCom".

Active Star
Installation
Page 13
2.3 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. You can feel the plug snapping into
place. Now you can connect the power supply to the flat end of the USB cable and plug it
into an easily accessible wall outlet. When disconnecting the power supply cable, please
reverse the order of steps above.
If you plug in the power supply while the Active Star is switched on, a delayed signal tone
indicates that the device runs no longer on battery
Please note that during the recharging process the Active Star cannot be connected to the
PC via USB. If the Active Star is connected to the PC via USB, the battery is also charged
with a smaller current. You can deselect this function within the option menu to e.g.
conserve the laptop’s battery during a trip.
2.4 Connecting the Interface Cable
Your Active Star can communicate with the PC either via USB interface, or through the
wireless Bluetooth interface. If the Active Star is used as a medical device, the connected
PC needs to comply with the medical device directive or needed to be additional grounded
or needs to be connected via a separating transformation.
Please make sure, that you have installed the enclosed software package, as described in
chapter 2.2 before you connect the USB cable.
To connect the Braille display to the PC via the USB interface, please identify the enclosed
USB interface cable first. The USB interface cable features a small, almost square plug on
one end. The other end features a small, flat plug. Now plug the square plug into the port
in the middle of the back side of your Active Star. The flat plug is then plugged into the
PC's USB port.
When both the Braille display and the PC have been turned on, the Braille display will
automatically be recognized by USB enabled operating systems. When connecting the
USB cable while the device is off, you shortly get the start message, and the Active Star
turns off again.
2.5 Connecting the external USB keyboard
The Active Star is shipped with a compact USB PC keyboard, which is equipped with
Neodymium magnets. These magnets protect the keyboard from slipping and falling down.
Therefor please read the General Safety Information in chapter 11.4.
Please connect the USB keyboard to one of the two USB ports on the back side of the
Active Star. The Active Star acknowledges this with a beep when plugging and
unplugging. Now the keyboard is ready to be used as a comfortable input device for the
Active Star (internal mode).

Active Star
Installation
Page 14
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). The keyboard switches automatically into external
operating mode when starting the screen reader or toggles when pressing [SPCL+2 5]
(chord :). Because after switching the keyboard in external mode, you can control the PC
also without screen reader, you can launch your screen reader by short key. For JAWS
you can press Ctrl+Alt+j, for NVDA Ctrl+Alt+n and for SuperNova Ctrl+Shift+s.
Per default, the Active Star’s keyboard switches automatically between internal and
external mode, when you toggle between PC mode (external mode) and menu mode
(internal mode).
You can also use the Active Star’s keyboard parallel to another PC keyboard.
2.6 The Carrying Case
An extra compartment is provided on the cover of the carrying case, which can be closed
with a Velcro fastener. This compartment can store the cables, the keyboard and your
mobile phone.
On the right side of the case are openings for the main power button and the headset, so
that the Active Star can be operated inside its case. To completely open the carrying case,
also open the Velcro fastener on the bottom.
All of the control elements are now accessible. If you open the two Velcro fasteners on the
top of the unit underneath the keyboard, the Active Star can be removed from the case up
now.
When you replace the Active Star in the carrying case, please make sure that the sides of
the case fully enclose the Active Star, and that the Velcro fasteners are proper closed,
because otherwise the Active Star could fall out when the case is opened.
The Active Star’s external keyboard is equipped with neodymium magnets, which is so
firmly held on the top of the unit. Even when be operated inside the carrying case, the
keyboard is held by in the case built-in metal buttons.
2.7 Installation of the Bluetooth Tie-In
Because your Active Star features a Bluetooth transmission module, you can also
establish a wireless connection between the Active Star and three different devices at the
same time (e.g. computer, smart phone, tablet), if they are equipped with wireless
Bluetooth technology. The Active Star automatically switches to the currently active data
source, i.e. to one of the up to three Bluetooth connections that was last active, or to the
USB connection to the PC. When switching, the Bluetooth device name is displayed, if
available. Otherwise "Bluetooth device" will be displayed, followed by a number from 1 to
3.

Active Star
Installation
Page 15
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. in a note. When the iPhone is unlocked, the Active Star is
automatically reconnected immediately.
You can manually circle between the USB port and the three Bluetooth ports by pressing
[SPC + 4 5 8]. If there is only one active connection, you cannot switch. When plug-in an
USB cable into a PC, it switches automatically to the USB connection.
Bluetooth is automatically active when you turn on the Active Star. If you do not set up a
Bluetooth connection within 15 minutes, the Bluetooth interface automatically turns off.
When the Active Star wakes up from sleep mode, Bluetooth will be on again for 15
minutes.
The wireless transmission radius is approximately 10 meters (10 yards or 33 feet).
2.7.1 Bluetooth-PC Tie-In
1. Please make sure, that the Active Star is switched 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 off.
3. Select "Bluetooth Devices" from the control panel or from your system tray and
press the context menu key.
4. Select the “new device/connection” item
5. "Add Bluetooth Device Wizard" will appear.
6. All detected Bluetooth devices will be listed. Select the Active Star from the list and
press "Next".
7. The Active Star will ask whether the pairing should be done with the message "Pair
y/n". Confirm the message by pressing [y] or the CR key above the y. If you reject
the pairing process, a connection to the PC can only be made after switching the
Active Star off and on again.
8. Now the pairing will be done, and the needed drivers will be installed. Please wait a
moment. Please confirm by pressing "Finish".
Your Active Star now has a wireless connection to the PC, and you can utilize all of its
functions, as if it were connected via the USB cable.
Note: If you move the Active Star beyond the Bluetooth connection's communications
radius (10 meters/yards), the connection to the PC will be interrupted. The connection will
automatically be re-established by Handy Tech's Braille device driver once you move back
within range. For this you need to have installed the latest Braille display driver (see
chapter 2.2).
2.7.2 Bluetooth Apple iOS Device Tie-In
Mobile Apple devices, such as the iPhone or iPad, include a screen reader by default,
which enables blind people to operate the devices by speech and Braille output.
Important: In order to be able to establish the Bluetooth connection with an iOS device,
please activate the "iPhone Mode" option in the options menu. For connecting the Active
Star via Bluetooth with an Apple device, you have to activate VoiceOver first. Please follow
these steps:

Active Star
Installation
Page 16
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. Open “Settings” on the home screen of your iOS device.
4. Choose „Accessibility”.
5. Turn VoiceOver on.
6. Choose “Braille” on the Accessibility page.
7. If Bluetooth is off, the iOS device will remind you and you should turn it on now.
8. The iOS device is now searching for Bluetooth Braille displays. Please choose the
Active Star from the list.
9. The Active Star will ask whether the pairing should be done with the message "Pair
y/n". Confirm the message by pressing [y] or the CR key above the y. If you reject
the pairing process, a connection to the Apple device can only be made after
switching the Active Star off and on again.
10.The Bluetooth connection will be established, and you can read the text from the
iOS device on the Braille display.
Note: if the Bluetooth connection was interrupted because the Active Star or the Apple
device was turned off or in sleep mode, please activate the Active Star first. The
connection will be reestablished automatically, when turning on the Apple device.
We recommend setting the Accessibility Shortcut (3 time pressing the home key) to
VoiceOver. To define the Accessibility Shortcut, go to settings / Accessibility all the way
down to Accessibility Shortcut.
2.7.3 Bluetooth-Android Device Tie-In
Android devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy Sx, include the screen reader TalkBack by
default, which enables blind people to operate the devices by speech. This is pre-installed
on most Android devices and can be activated under Settings>Accessibility. For Braille
support an additional App, called BrailleBack, is needed which you can download and
install via Play Store. In order to connect the Active Star via Bluetooth with an Android
device, please follow these steps:
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 off.
3. Activate Bluetooth on the Android device and search for new devices.
4. After some seconds, the Active Star will be found and listed in the device list.
5. Start the pairing process by double click on the Active Star.
6. The Active Star will ask whether the pairing should be done with the message "Pair
y/n". Confirm the message by pressing [y] or the CR key above the y. If you reject
the pairing process, a connection to the Android device can only be made after
switching the Active Star off and on again.
7. If the paring was successful, you’ll hear the message “device connected”.
8. Open BrailleBack on the Android device. You can find it under
Settings>Accessibility.
9. The Bluetooth connection will be established, and you can read the text from the
Android device on the Braille display.
Note: if the connection was interrupted because you have turned off or put to sleep mode
the Active Star and/or the Android device, please turn on/wake up the Active Star first.

Active Star
Installation
Page 17
2.8 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
•2 USB Type A port (for keyboard)
•1 USB HID Type B port (for PC or charger)
•16 GB micro SD card
•Wireless Bluetooth technology
•Polyphonic Sound chip
•Mini Loudspeaker
•1 plug for loudspeaker 3.5 mm
•Lithium ion battery 5200 mAh
•Battery duration ca. 40 hours
•Quick charge circuitry (6 hours)
•Measurements: 32.2 cm width, 21.9 cm depth, 2.2 cm high, with keyboard 3.7 cm
(12.7" width, 8.6" depth, 0.9" high)
•Weight 1090 gr, with keyboard 1430 gr. (2.4 lb., with keyboard 3.15 lb.)

Active Star
Start Up
Page 18
3 Start Up
3.1 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.
3.2 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. You will hear a sound signal, and the
start-up message will be displayed on the Braille display (for example):
’Active Star F3.1 2b Fri 02.10.20 14:14 ?’
•The name of the device "Active Star" (cells 1-11)
•The firmware version (cells 13-16) e.g. F3.1
•Charging indicator (cell 18): The battery charge status is displayed in the form of a
bar whose height corresponds to one of the five charging states. If no point is set,
this corresponds to the "empty" charge state. When the battery charge level is full,
all eight points are set. When loading, the charge indicator grows in steps from
below to the current charge state. When charging, the charging indicator moves
faster. After switching on the device, it takes about 10 seconds for this information
to be available.
•Bluetooth status (cell 19): This cell indicates whether Bluetooth is switched on and,
if so, whether Bluetooth connections exist. If Bluetooth is off, this cell is empty. A
small b indicates that Bluetooth is on. If a large B is shown, there is currently a
Bluetooth connection. If point 8 is set, two Bluetooth connections exist. If dot 6 is set
additionally, there will be three Bluetooth connections.
•Weekday (cells 21-23): For languages in which a two-digit abbreviation for
weekdays is common, there is a dot at the end; for three-digit abbreviations there is
no dot.
•Date (cells 25-32): Day.month.year
•Time (cells 34-38): The time is displayed in 24-hour format. The colon between hour
and minute flashes every second.
•Call up the support information (cell 40): After pressing the cursor routing key above
the Braille cell 40, a compact information is displayed which can be important for
support purposes. To return to the start message, press [TLC] [TRC].
The abbreviations in the support information have the following meaning:
•FW (“firmware“): version of the installed firmware
•SN (“serial number“): the Active Star’s serial number

Active Star
Start Up
Page 19
•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
oCPS (“caps“): caps exchanged
oPNCLN (“pins cleaned“): Pins cleaned
oPNRPL (“pins replaced“): pins exchanged
•LRPR (“last repair“): month and year of last repair
•DLV (“delivery“): month and year of delivery
If any of this information is not available, there is "N/A" ("not available") behind the colon.
The high-pitched beep, followed by a startup sound at start up, indicates that you are now
in work mode. As soon as you hear the startup sound, also called startup sound, you can
begin working.
The Active Star is not fully ready for operation until the startup sound appeared. The
device can only begin exchanging data or reacting to any other external events, such as
keystrokes, after the low beep.
You can change the startup sound by yourself using MusikBraille for composing your own
melody. Please refer to chapter 5.1.6 MusikBraille (M).
You are now in the Active Star's main menu, which allows you to activate its various
functions.
Should you receive a message beginning with the words 'FER:', 'Warning', or 'WRN:'
instead of the work mode start up string shown above, then the Active Star's software has
become corrupted. You will find detailed information and trouble-shooting tips in the
sections on firmware updates and error messages.
Now, before you can finally get started, we would like to familiarize you with some of the
basic concepts pertaining to your Active Star.
3.3 Basic Operation
3.3.1 Chords
The Active Star's keyboard is very easy to use. The keystroke functions are not activated
until the key is released. If a character is composed by several keys, it will be created after
releasing all keys.
In order to make functions available to you which require their own function keys on
standard keyboards, while also providing efficiency of operation, we have introduced the
so-called chord functions. Chords are letters or Braille dots that are used in combination
with the space bar. For example, in the Editor you can use Chord-i [SPC+2 4] to toggle
between insert and overwrite mode.
With Chord Commands it is enough to release one key in order to activate the function.
When entering characters all keys need to be released.
You will find a list of all available key combinations in chapter 12.

Active Star
Start Up
Page 20
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.
2. Warning signal: This consists of a simple short sound and may sound, for example,
when you have reached the beginning or the end of a text in the Editor, or when
you are canceling a search.
3. Error signal: These are three consecutive signals with an ascending tone pitch,
which may be emitted, for example, before you delete a file.
Note: You can specify which types of acoustic signals you want the Active Star to emit
(see chapter 5.1.11 and 5.1.11.11). In this manual, the assumption is that all signal tones
are switched on. This is also the factory default.
3.3.3 System Messages
The Active Star will display messages to indicate the successful completion of an
operation or to alert you to possible operating errors. If the message is an error message
or if it is an important message, a signal tone will also sound. The signal sounds can be
switched off in the options menu (see chapter 5.1.11.11 Tone signals (T)).
We recommend carefully reviewing these messages before continuing with your work.
They frequently contain instructions on how to proceed.
Most error messages will be in your local language however, there are some system
messages that are only provided in English. In regard to these messages, all messages
beginning with 'fatal', 'fer:', 'error' or 'wrn:' should be attended to.
After you have read the message, you can exit by pressing [TLC], which in most cases will
return you to the place from which the message was initiated. If the message text does not
fit on the Braille display, you can scroll through it by means of the [TD] and [TU] keys.
In chapter 13 you will find a list of the most important messages with explanations.
3.3.4 Check Boxes
Check boxes are switches that can be in either an "on" or "off" state. A check box consists
of a symbol indicating its state, and a designation. The symbol "[X]" indicates that the
check box is "on", or active, whereas "[ ]" is an inactive, or "off" check box.
Toggling the state of the check box between on and off is accomplished by pressing [SPC]
or [TRC]: the state is toggled upon each keystroke. Alternatively, you can also press the
cursor routing key above the check box to toggle it. As soon as you move on to a new
menu item, the last state indicated by the check box remains in force. However, the
settings are not permanently saved until the 'Options' menu is closed.
Check boxes are used for controlling your Active Star's functions and are found in the
Options menu. For example, you can choose either 6 dot or 8 dot Braille this way.