OHFA Tech Taptilo User manual

Taptilo
User Guide
Taptilo 2.0+ (ENG)
Last updated: March 2020
©OHFA Tech, Inc.
Contact
Email: [e-mail]
Online: www.taptilo.com/support

Taptilo User Guide (2.0+ English)
©OHFA TECH INC. 2
About this guide
•Taptilo®, all hardware, software and applications associated with Taptilo, the Taptilo logo are
trademarks of OHFA Tech Inc., registered in the U.S. and internationally.
•This user guide and product are protected by copyright law.
•This user guide is based on the status quo and may include technical and editorial error or
omissions.
•The images used in this user guide may look different from the actual product. The product
and user guide are subject to modification without prior notice to improve accuracy and
performance.
Important safety & handling instructions
•Follow all warnings, cautions, and instructions marked on the product.
•Carefully read the instructions described in this user guide prior to using Taptilo.
•Keep away from heat sources or radiator. Exposure to high heat may lead to weaken magnetic
properties and possibly cause a fire.
•Do not handle the device or the plug with wet hands as it may cause electric shock.
•Do not place sharp metal objects near the device, as the magnet may attract the objects.
•Only use charging adaptors provided with the product. Charging with a non-designated
charger will void your warranty and possibly cause a fire.
•Do not disassemble or alter any part of the device, including the serial number label.
•Don’t attempt to replace the battery yourself.
•Do not use or store below 0°C (32°F) or above 50°C (122°F), as it may cause malfunctions.
•Do not place device near liquids to prevent spillage. In case of accidental spillage, turn the
device off, flip upside down and store in a dry area and contact the support center
immediately. (In case the individual blocks are wet, they may be reused after completely
drying, but this may cause defect.)
•Do not place under heavy objects. Avoid unusual stress (i.e. dropping from heights) to the
device.
•Avoid charging the device during a thunderstorm.
•Avoid pressurizing the braille display when it is refreshing as it may limit proper movement of
the cells. Limited performance or malfunctions caused by such actions will not be accepted as a
valid claim for warranty returns.

Taptilo User Guide (2.0+ English)
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Table of Contents
1. Overview of Taptilo...........................................................................................................................5
1.1 Unpacking ................................................................................................................................5
1.2 Physical Description ................................................................................................................5
1.3 Specifications...........................................................................................................................8
2. Setting Up and Getting Started.......................................................................................................9
2.1 Charging the Battery...............................................................................................................9
2.2 Powering On/Off ...................................................................................................................10
2.3 Choosing a Study Mode........................................................................................................10
2.4 Using the Braille Blocks (Writing Styles) .............................................................................11
2.4.1 Common (Perkins Style) .............................................................................................11
2.4.2 Slate & Stylus ...............................................................................................................12
2.5 Pairing with the App..............................................................................................................13
2.5.1 Downloading the Taptilo+ app...................................................................................13
2.5.2 Connecting with the device........................................................................................14
2.5.3 Managing connection settings ..................................................................................14
2.6 Button Navigation .................................................................................................................15
3. Self-Study Mode..............................................................................................................................16
3.1 Getting started ......................................................................................................................16
3.2 Activities .................................................................................................................................17
3.2.1 Read..............................................................................................................................17
3.2.2 Trace & Write ...............................................................................................................17
3.2.3 Dictation.......................................................................................................................17
3.2.4 Write .............................................................................................................................18
3.2.5 Game ............................................................................................................................18
3.3 Choosing Braille Settings......................................................................................................19
3.4 Device settings.......................................................................................................................20
3.4.1 Program .......................................................................................................................20
3.4.2 Voice .............................................................................................................................20
3.4.3 Writing Style.................................................................................................................20
4. Teaching Mode ...............................................................................................................................21
4.1 App Overview.........................................................................................................................21
4.1.1 Main screen .................................................................................................................21
4.1.2 Word screen.................................................................................................................22
4.2 Topics .....................................................................................................................................23
4.2.1 Alphabet.......................................................................................................................23

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4.2.2 Numbers ......................................................................................................................23
4.2.3 Words (Levels 1-5).......................................................................................................23
4.3 Activities .................................................................................................................................23
4.3.1 Trace & Write ...............................................................................................................23
4.3.2 Read..............................................................................................................................24
4.3.3 Listen & Write ..............................................................................................................24
4.4 Practice Settings Tab.............................................................................................................24
4.4.1 Shuffle list ....................................................................................................................25
4.4.2 Auto continue ..............................................................................................................25
4.4.3 Auto play voice ............................................................................................................25
4.4.5 Vibrate for wrong answer...........................................................................................25
4.4.6 Slate & Stylus ...............................................................................................................25
4.5 Favorites.................................................................................................................................26
4.5.1 Adding or removing a favorite word.........................................................................26
4.5.2 Managing Favorites List..............................................................................................26
4.6 My Word List ..........................................................................................................................27
4.6.1 Adding a new list.........................................................................................................27
4.6.4 Adding words ..............................................................................................................27
4.6.5 Deleting words ............................................................................................................28
4.6.2 Editing list name..........................................................................................................28
4.6.3 Deleting list..................................................................................................................28
4.7 Managing Application Settings ............................................................................................28
4.7.1 Bluetooth connection .................................................................................................28
4.7.2 Language settings.......................................................................................................29
4.7.3 Practice Reminder.......................................................................................................30
4.7.4 Send Feedback ............................................................................................................31
4.7.5 About............................................................................................................................31
5. Taptilo Music (Beta)........................................................................................................................31
5.1 Using Taptilo Music...............................................................................................................31
5.1.1 Starting Taptilo Music.................................................................................................31
5.1.2 Ending Taptilo Music...................................................................................................31
5.2 Music: Activities .....................................................................................................................32
5.2.1 Play a song...................................................................................................................32
5.2.2 Solfege .........................................................................................................................32
5.2.3 Compose ......................................................................................................................32

Taptilo User Guide (2.0+ English)
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1. Overview of Taptilo
1.1 Unpacking
The package includes the following items:
•Taptilo device (includes 9 braille blocks)
•Extra braille block
•Adaptor & micro USB cable
•Mini pouch
•Taptilo case + shoulder strap
•Quick Start Guide (1 print, 1 braille)
1.2 Physical Description
Taptilo has a rounded rectangular shape, almost circular around the edges. It is about 17
inches long, 5.4 inches wide, 2.2 inches in height, and it weighs about 3 pounds.
Taptilo’s top surface includes a row of nine braille blocks on the upper half, a
corresponding braille display on the lower half, and three buttons to the right. The long
side with the braille display faces the user.

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1) Power button (On/Off)
The power button is located on the right edge and has a circular shape. For more
information, see 2.2 Powering On/Off.
2) Braille display (for reading)
The braille display contains nine braille cells containing six large-sized pins, which are
approximately five times larger than the standard braille.
3) Braille blocks (for writing)
There are nine oversized braille blocks in total, each of them removable and magnetic. A
braille block is a vertical rectangular shape with a circular edge on the top and rounded
angles on the bottom. Each block represents one braille cell and has six dots, arranged in
two columns of three dots. For more information, see 2.4 Using the Braille Blocks.
4) Arrow buttons (left & right)
The arrow buttons are located on the right side of the device, next to the braille blocks.
The arrow buttons are used to move to the next or previous option. For more information
on button navigation, see 2.6 Button Navigation.
5) Circle button
The circle button is located on the right side of the device, below the arrow buttons. The
circle button is used to select an option or submit an input (check the answer). For more
information on button navigation, see 2.6 Button Navigation.

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6) LED battery indicator
Located above the arrow buttons, there are four LED lights that indicate remaining battery
life and charging status. For more information, see 2.1 Charging the Battery.
7) Speaker & headphone jack
The built-in speaker is located on the left side of the device, next to the braille display.
Below the speaker on the left edge is a standard audio jack which is compatible with
headphones or other audio devices.
8) Volume controller
The volume controller is a toggle switch located on the right side of the upper edge. You
can adjust the volume in 3 levels. When you push to the left (assuming the braille display
is facing the user), the volume will increase.
9) Charging port (micro-USB)
The charging port is located on the upper edge to the right of the volume controller.
10) Serial number label
The serial number label is located on the bottom of the device. You need the serial
number when you connect the device with the application (See 2.5 Pairing with the app)

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1.3 Specifications
1. Product: Taptilo V2.0+
2. Model: TEDU-W500USA
3. Color: Blue
4. Language: English (USA)
5. Power
Main voltage: +5.0V
Battery: Li-ion 2,600mAh (3.7V)
Adaptor: input 100V~240V (0.5A) / output 5.0V (2.0A)
Charging time: 5 hours
Running time: 15 hours
6. Wireless
Bluetooth 4.2
7. Temperature
In operation: 15°C ~ 35°C
On hold: -10°C ~ 60°C
8. Size
Main Body: 437 x 137 x 55.6 (mm)
Block: 33.6 x 56.2 x 16.8 (mm)
9. Weight
Main Body: 3lb / 1.4kg
Block: 0.04lb / 20g

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2. Setting Up and Getting Started
2.1 Charging the Battery
For the best experience, we recommend fully charging the device before the first
use.
1. Connect the charger to the charging port on the top end of Taptilo device, next to
the volume controller.
2. When the device is charging, all four LED lights will blink. When the battery is fully
charged, all four lights will light up.
3. When the device is on, the LED lights will display the remaining battery life. For
example, when the half of the battery is left, the second LED will blink. When the
leftmost LED is blinking alone, the device needs charging.
4. To check battery status via audio when the device is on, press the circle button and
right arrow key together for two seconds.
Caution: Using any other charging appliances may affect the performance of the device
and possibly cause a fire.
TIP:
∙Five hours of charging will provide up to 15 hours of usage. When the battery dies
during use, please charge the device for a minimum of one hour before using it
again.
∙When the device is turned off due to low battery level, it will restart automatically
when you start charging the device.

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2.2 Powering On/Off
To Power ON
Press the power button once until it is slightly pushed in. Wait a few seconds as
the LED lights start blinking.
With a sound effect, all the braille cells will move up. Follow the audio instructions
to continue.
To Power OFF
Press the power button once until it is slightly pushed out.
With a sound effect, all the braille cells will go down, and you will hear the audio,
“See you again later.” The LED lights will turn off one by one.
2.3 Choosing a Study Mode
Taptilo has two study modes: Self-Study Mode and Teaching Mode.
In Self-Study Mode, the device is used standalone using the built-in programs and audio
guidance. See 3. Self-Study Mode.
In Teaching Mode, the device is used with the app, and the user has access to the various
content and features available on the app. See 4. Teaching Mode.

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2.4 Using the Braille Blocks (Writing Styles)
There are two different ways to write braille using the Taptilo braille blocks: Common
(Perkins Style) and Slate & Stylus. The default setting is Common.
For instructions on changing the braille writing style,
•From the device, see 3.4 Device Settings
•From the app, see 4.4 Practice Settings.
2.4.1 Common (Perkins Style)
The common writing style allows the user to write in the same order as in reading (left to
right). With this method, the user can get familiarized with the Perkins skyle finger
location (Index, middle and ring finger of left hand on dots 1, 2, 3 and index, middle and
ring finger of the right hand on dots 4, 5, 6).
How to use
1. Hold a block upright with both hands, the front side facing the user. Start with all
the dots pushed down –this is an empty cell.

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2. Place your thumbs on the front, and place your index, middle, and ring fingers
behind each of the six dots. The index, middle and ring finger of your left hand will
be on dots 1, 2, 3. Your index, middle and ring finger of your right hand will be on
dots 4, 5, 6.
3. With each finger, push the dots upward. For instance, to create ‘a’, push dot 1 with
your left hand’s index finger.
4. To check what you wrote, place the blocks on Taptilo from left to right. All dots of
empty cells should be pushed down. Press the circle button to check the answer.
Tip:
It’s important to tell the front and back of the block when using it with Taptilo. When you
place the block on the wrong side, you won’t feel the same magnetic “click” that you feel
when you place it correctly, and Taptilo won’t be able to recognize the pattern. Another
way to tell is by feeling the top of the block - the front is flat while the back is sticking out.
2.4.2 Slate & Stylus
The slate & stylus writing style allows the user to write in the reverse order as in reading
(right to left). With this method, the user can get familiarized with the slate and stylus
writing (dots 1, 2, 3 from the top on the right column and dots 4, 5, 6 from the top on the
left column –see image below).

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With one block
To see how this works, let’s take a braille block. First, push all the dots up – this is an
empty cell. Hold the block upright in one hand, the front side facing you. Then, using the
index finger of your other hand, push each dot down.
With multiple blocks
First, you need to make all cells “empty” by pushing the dots up on all the blocks and
placing them back on the base. Then, starting from the right-hand side, use your index
finger to push down the dots. If you’ve made a mistake and want to rewrite, just pick the
block up and make an empty cell.
2.5 Pairing with the App
2.5.1 Downloading the Taptilo+ app
1. Scan the QR code below or search for ‘Taptilo+’ in the Apple App store or Google
Play Store to download the app.

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2.5.2 Connecting with the device
1. Turn on Taptilo and wait until you hear the audio guidance.
2. Open the Taptilo+ app on your phone and make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
3. Select the block image or “Tap to connect your device.” A connection pop-up will
appear, or the app will automatically reconnect with the previous device if it is
within Bluetooth range.
4. From the pop-up, select the serial number of your device (The serial number label
is located near the center of the bottom of the device). If the serial number does
not appear on the pop-up, refresh list by selecting “search again.”
5. Once the device is paired, you will hear “application connected” and you can start
using the app featr
2.5.3 Managing connection settings
From the app main menu, select the Options tab on the upper right corner, then select
Settings > Connect your device. You can connect or disconnect to your device here.
For more information, see 4.7.1 Bluetooth connection.

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2.6 Button Navigation
There are three buttons on the panel on the right side of the device: Left arrow, right
arrow and a circle button. There are two ways to press each button: Short press, long
press (press and hold for 2 seconds)
Basic
Music
Right arrow (short press)
Next word or option
Next section
Left arrow (short press)
Previous word or option
Previous section
Circle (short press)
Submit/Select
Play/Select
Right arrow (long press)
Hear spelling guide
Move to the next activity
Left arrow (long press)
Repeat pronunciation
Move to the previous
activity
Circle (long press)
Move to the previous menu
Play again
Left and right arrow
(long press)
Change braille mode
(Uncontracted↔Contracted)
Skip to the last or first
activity
Right arrow + Circle
(long press)
Check battery status (audio)
Left and right
arrow + circle (long press)
Enter or exit device settings

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3. Self-Study Mode
When using the device on its own without the application, you are using Self-Study Mode.
3.1 Getting started
1. Turn the device on. When you hear the audio instructions for Self-Study Mode,
press the circle button.
2. Use the arrow buttons to scroll through the list of activities. You will hear the name
of each option as you scroll through. When you are on the option you want to
choose, press the circle button.
3. Audio instructions will be played for the selected activity. If you would like to skip
the instructions, press the circle button.
4. Next, choose a category using the buttons.
5. To return to the previous menu or option, press the circle button for two seconds.
Self-Study Mode contains five braille learning activities: Read, Trace & Write, Dictation,
Write and Game. Each activity includes the following categories:
1) Read: Numbers, alphabet, short words, long words
2) Trace & Write: Numbers, alphabet, short words, long words
3) Dictation: Numbers, alphabet, short words, long words
4) Write: Write your own word
5) Game: Short words, long words
For detailed instructions on each program, see 3.2 Activities.
Tips:
Recent action saved. In Self-Study Mode, Taptilo will save the most recent activity
and category used when the device is powered off. When the device is turned on,
the user will be directed to where they left off. To start from the beginning, press
the circle button for two seconds.
Skip audio instructions. Press the circle button at the start of each activity to skip
audio instructions.
Power-saving feature. When the device isn’t being used, an alarm (light bell
sound will ring twice) will sound every 10 minutes to remind you to power off.

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3.2 Activities
3.2.1 Read
Read the letter or word shown in braille and listen to the word. Choose from numbers,
alphabet, short words and long words.
1. Read the braille shown on the braille display and listen to the word.
2. If you want to hear the word again, press the left arrow button for two seconds. To
hear the spelling, press the right arrow button for two seconds.
3. Press the circle button to move to the next word.
3.2.2 Trace & Write
Practice reading and writing in braille by using the blocks. Choose from numbers,
alphabet, short words and long words.
1. Read the braille shown on the braille display and listen to the word.
2. If you want to hear the word again, press the left arrow button for two seconds. To
hear the spelling, press the right arrow button for two seconds.
3. Use the blocks to create the same letters and place them in the right order.
4. Press the circle button to check the answer.
5. If you get it wrong, you can try again until you get the correct answer. When you
get it right, it will automatically move to the next word.
3.2.3 Dictation
Listen to a word and write it down using the blocks. It’s a spelling bee in braille! Choose
from numbers, alphabet, short words, long words.
1. Listen to a word or a letter. If you want to hear it again, press and hold the left
arrow button. The right arrow button that plays the spelling does not work in
Dictation.
2. Use the blocks to write the letters and place them in the correct order.
3. Press the circle button to check the answer.
4. If you get it wrong, you can try again until you get the correct answer. If you get
three incorrect answers in a row, the answer will be shown on the braille display.
Afterwards, you can check it and write the correct answer (as in Trace & Write) to
move onto the next word.

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3.2.4 Write
Write anything in braille and check what you wrote.
1. Use the blocks to write your own braille and place them in order.
2. Press the circle button to check what you wrote.
3. Taptilo will display what you wrote and read it aloud.
TIP: Try writing your name and have Taptilo read it out!
3.2.5 Game
There are two types of games according to which braille setting you are using:
Uncontracted braille (normal mode) and contracted braille (UEB mode).
When using uncontracted braille (normal mode), you are playing Word Scramble.
When using contracted braille (UEB mode), you are playing Guess-the-Contraction.
For information on how to change the braille setting in Self-Study Mode, see 3.3 Choosing
Braille Settings.
Word Scramble (Uncontracted Braille)
Unscramble the letters to match the right word.
1. Read the scrambled letters shown on the braille display. To hear the spelling,
press and hold the right arrow button for two seconds. The left arrow button
that reads the word does not work in Game.
2. Use the blocks to write the letters and rearrange them in the correct order.
3. Press the circle button to check the answer.
4. After three incorrect attempts, the answer will be shown on the braille display.
Now you can trace the letters and write them using the blocks (as in Trace &
Write).
Guess-the-Contraction (Contracted Braille)
Write the correct contraction for the word shown in uncontracted braille.
1. Read the word shown on the braille display in uncontracted braille. To hear the
spelling, press the right arrow button for two seconds.
2. Use the blocks to write the correct contraction of the word.
3. Press the circle button to check the answer.

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4. After three incorrect attempts, the answer will be shown on the braille display
and read aloud. Now you can trace the letters and write them using the blocks
(as in Trace & Write).
Note: When you change the default braille setting while using Game, the braille will NOT
automatically change. In this case, press the right or left arrow button to apply the new
setting.
3.3 Choosing Braille Settings
On Taptilo, you can easily switch from uncontracted braille to contracted braille, and vise
versa.
When using Self-Study Mode, the default is uncontracted braille (“Normal mode”). Press
and hold the left and right arrow button for two seconds until you hear the audio “Change
to UEB mode” and the braille will show in contractions. (If it doesn’t change, try pressing
the right arrow button once to move to the next word)
If you want to change back to uncontracted braille, press and hold the left and right arrow
button again until you hear the audio “Change to normal mode.”
Note:
If you change the braille mode, it stays until you change it again even if you move
to another activity.

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If the word or content does not have a contracted form, the braille cells will not
change.
3.4 Device settings
You may use device settings at any point in Self-Study Mode.
How to use
1. With the device on, press all three buttons (left, right arrow and circle button) at
once for two seconds until you hear the audio, “device settings.” Make sure you
press three buttons all at once.
2. Using the arrow and circle buttons, enter the menu you want to change and select
the option.
3. Once you select an option, the device will restart itself to apply the new setting.
Please wait until you hear the audio instructions to start using it again.
3.4.1 Program
Choose from English or Music (beta)
3.4.2 Voice
Select the voice of the audio guidance. Choose from Diana (default) or Anna (for younger
users). When you select Anna, you can hear some sound effects for certain words (i.e.
animal sounds)
3.4.3 Writing Style
Select a braille writing style. Choose from Common (Default) or Slate & Stylus.
For information on writing styles, see 2.4 Using the Braille Blocks.