Optelec Alva BC640 User manual

&
User Manual English
UDC-02037B
© 2007 Optelec, the Netherlands.
All rights reserved
Optelec
2993 LT Barendrecht
The Netherlands
Telephone: [phone]. Fax [phone]
Internet: www.optelec.com

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Content
1. Introduction.......................................................................................................... 4
1.1. About this manual ........................................................................................ 4
1.2. ALVA Braille Controller package contents ................................................... 4
2. Getting to know your ALVA Braille Controller...................................................... 6
2.1. ALVA BC640 Base Unit ............................................................................... 6
2.1.1. Surface and front panel lay-out................................................................. 6
2.1.2. Back panel lay-out .................................................................................... 7
2.1.3. Right side lay-out ...................................................................................... 7
2.1.4. Left side lay-out ........................................................................................ 7
2.1.5. Front panel keys, Smartpad, eTouch navigation buttons and cursor
routing keys............................................................................................................. 7
Smartpad............................................................................................................. 7
eTouch keys ........................................................................................................ 8
Thumb Keys ........................................................................................................ 8
2.2. The ALVA BC640 Braille Audio Feature Pack ............................................. 8
2.2.1. Braille Audio Feature Pack: Surface lay-out ............................................. 9
2.2.2. Right Side lay-out ..................................................................................... 9
2.2.3. Left Side lay-out........................................................................................ 9
2.3. ALVA BC680 Unit ........................................................................................ 9
2.3.1 Surface and front panel lay-out............................................................... 10
2.3.2 Back panel lay-out .................................................................................. 10
2.3.3 Right side lay-out .................................................................................... 11
2.3.4 Left side lay-out ...................................................................................... 11
2.3.5 Front panel keys, Smartpad, eTouch navigation buttons and cursor
routing keys........................................................................................................... 11
Smartpad........................................................................................................... 11
eTouch keys ...................................................................................................... 11
Cursor Routing Keys ......................................................................................... 11
Thumb keys....................................................................................................... 12
3. Installation ......................................................................................................... 13
3.1. Setting up the ALVA Braille Controller....................................................... 13
3.1.1. Setting up the USB connection............................................................... 13
3.1.2 Setting up the USB keyboard connection of the ALVA BC680 ............... 13
3.2. Installing ALVA BC6-series screen reader drivers ..................................... 13
3.3. Bluetooth® connection............................................................................... 14
3.3.1. Preparing for Bluetooth® connection ................................................... 14
3.3.2. Setting up the Bluetooth® USB dongle................................................ 14
4. The ALVA BC6-series menu ............................................................................. 19
4.1. Local Menu ................................................................................................ 19
4.1.1. Activating the Local Menu....................................................................... 19
4.1.2. Changing settings in the Local Menu...................................................... 19
4.2. The Feature Pack Menus (ALVA BC640 only) .......................................... 29
4.2.1. The Braille Audio Feature Pack Bluetooth® Menu.................................. 29
4.2.2. The Braille Audio Feature Pack Audio Menu .......................................... 30
5. Power Sources .................................................................................................. 31
5.1. USB power ................................................................................................ 31
5.2. Internal battery........................................................................................... 31

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5.3. External power adapter.............................................................................. 31
6. The ALVA BC6 Control Panel ........................................................................... 32
6.1. Configuring Audio ...................................................................................... 32
6.2. Using the Braille keyboard......................................................................... 32
6.3. Remember selected Braille connection ..................................................... 33
7. Using the Braille keyboard................................................................................. 34
7.1 Chord commands......................................................................................... 34
7.2 Prefix chord commands ............................................................................... 35
7.3 Contracted Braille on/off............................................................................... 35
7.4. Special characters on/off............................................................................ 35
8. Notes................................................................................................................. 36
8.1 Starting Notes............................................................................................ 36
8.2 Using Notes ............................................................................................... 36
8.2.1 Editing text.............................................................................................. 36
8.2.2 Navigating in Notes................................................................................. 37
8.2.3 Defining a block ...................................................................................... 37
8.2.4 Reading in Notes.......................................................................................... 37
8.3 The Notes Menu ........................................................................................ 38
8.3.1 Notes main menu.................................................................................... 38
8.3.1.1 File menu............................................................................................... 38
8.3.1.2 Edit menu .............................................................................................. 39
8.3.1.3 Braille .................................................................................................... 39
8.3.1.4 Help ....................................................................................................... 40
8.4 Notes Shortcut Key Combinations............................................................. 40
Regulatory notice...................................................................................................... 41
CE Caution: .............................................................................................................. 41
Explanation Of Graphical Symbols: .......................................................................... 42
Safety Logo: ............................................................................................................. 42
Disposing of your old product: .................................................................................. 42
Classification: ........................................................................................................... 42
Product Specifications: ............................................................................................. 43
FCC: ......................................................................................................................... 43
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement:.................................................................. 44
Optelec offices worldwide ..................................................................................... 45

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1. Introduction
Congratulations on choosing the ALVA Braille Controller. The ALVA Braille Controller 6-
series is the first series of wireless Braille Controllers that merges classic Braille display
access with advanced functionality. The high quality and reliability of the ALVA BC6-
series gives you optimal flexibility and productivity in an ultra compact design.
Each ALVA Braille Controller features future proof hardware standards as wireless
Bluetooth® connection and USB ports. The ergonomic design with its high quality
Braille cells and optimal navigation possibilities allows you to be in full control of your
computer, PDA or (smart) phone. Used in combination with screen reading software
the ALVA Braille Controller can be installed for particular operating systems to
provide a tactile and audible user interface.
The ALVA Braille Controller offers an enhanced ergonomic design that extends the
navigation and operation possibilities of the screen reading software. The ergonomics
are designed for optimal efficiency when working with a computer, PDA or
Smartphone. Note that the functionality of the ALVA Braille Controller depends
somewhat on the Braille display options of your screen reader and your mainstream
computing hardware.
The ALVA Braille Controller was designed to adhere to the Open Standard
philosophy using mainstream technology. This enables compatibility with most
screen reading software and operating systems. Contact your distributor or Optelec
for updated information about screen readers that fully support the device.
If you have any questions or suggestions concerning the use of this Braille display,
please contact your distributor or Optelec’s head office using the contact information at
the last page of this manual. Your feedback is highly appreciated. We hope you enjoy
working with your ALVA Braille Controller.
1.1. About this manual
This manual will familiarize you with the features and basic operation of your ALVA
Braille Controller. Please read this manual carefully before using your device.
1.2. ALVA Braille Controller package contents
The ALVA BC640 package contains the following:
–A pouch
–The ALVA BC640 Base Unit
–Power adapter 110/240V and power cable
–Long and short USB cables
–A USB Bluetooth® dongle, Class 1, Windows XP SP2 and Windows
Vista compatible
–The ALVA BC driver software for Windows XP and Windows Vista and
documentation on CD-ROM
–This manual in print

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–Quick Start Guide in Braille and print
The ALVA BC640 with Braille Audio Feature Pack package contains the following:
–A carrying bag
–The ALVA BC640 Base Unit including the Braille Audio Feature Pack
–Power adapter 110/240V and power cable
–Long and short USB cables
–A USB Bluetooth® dongle, Class 1, Windows XP SP2 and Windows
Vista compatible
–The ALVA BC driver software for Windows XP and Windows Vista and
documentation on CD-ROM
–A headset
–This manual in print
–Quick Start Guide in Braille and print
The ALVA BC640’s Braille Audio Feature Pack package contains the following:
–A carrying bag
–The Braille Audio Feature Pack
–The ALVA BC driver software for Windows XP and Windows Vista and
documentation on CD-ROM
–A headset
–A hex key
–This manual in print
–Quick Start Guide in Braille and print
The ALVA BC680 package contains the following:
–A pouch
–The ALVA BC680 unit
–Power adapter 110/240V and power cable
–Long and short USB cables
–A USB Bluetooth® dongle, Class 1, Windows XP SP2 and Windows
Vista compatible
–The ALVA BC driver software for Windows XP and Windows Vista and
documentation on CD-ROM
–This manual in print
If any of these items are missing from your package, please contact your distributor.

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2. Getting to know your ALVA Braille Controller
The ALVA Braille Controller consists of a 40 cell or 80 cell Braille line with advanced
navigation possibilities. Optionally Braille Audio Feature Pack is available for the
ALVA BC640. This chapter will give a detailed overview of the lay-out of the ALVA
BC640 Base Unit, the ALVA BC640 Braille Audio Feature Pack and the ALVA BC680
unit.
2.1. ALVA BC640 Base Unit
The ALVA BC640 Base Unit is placed correctly in front of you when the Braille cells
are located at the back of the flat surface and the thumb keys are facing towards you.
The ALVA BC640 contains:
1. 40-cell Braille display
2. eTouch keys (left) for panning left and right and screen reading functions
3. eTouch keys (right) for panning left and right and screen reading functions
4. Smartpad with 5-way navigation key and 4 keys for easy access to
mainstream devices
5. Thumb keys for panning, left, right, up and down and returning to the cursor
position
6. 40 Cursor Routing Keys
7. Power supply and mini USB connectors
8. On/off switch
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2.1.1. Surface and front panel lay-out
The ALVA BC640 is designed with a row of 40 Braille cells at the back of the flat
surface. In front of the Braille cells one row of small buttons can be found, known as
Cursor Routing Keys. Each Braille cell has a corresponding Cursor Routing Key that
can be used for multiple functions. On the left and right side of the Braille line you will

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find two groups of two keys. These so-called eTouch keys can be used for Braille
panning left and right as well as various other screen reader functions.
In the middle, just in front of the Cursor Routing Keys, you will find a group of 9 keys.
This group is called Smartpad and consists of 4 function keys and a 5-way navigation
key. The Smartpad can be used for operating mainstream devices such as PC’s,
(smart)phones and PDA’s.
2.1.2. Back panel lay-out
At the back of the Braille Controller, a connector can be found for the Braille Audio
Feature Pack.
2.1.3. Right side lay-out
The power switch is located at the right side of the Braille Controller. The Braille
Controller is switched on when the rectangular push button is pressed. Switching the
Braille Controller on will generate an audio signal.
2.1.4. Left side lay-out
The left side of the Braille Controller contains three connectors. From front to back:
power connector, mini USB connector and a feature connector. The feature
connector has no function with the release of this manual.
2.1.5. Front panel keys, Smartpad, eTouch navigation buttons and
cursor routing keys
The names of the ALVA BC640 keys listed in this section will be used in all
documentation, including your screen reader documentation. This section describes
the name of the key(s) and its main function, which is supported by the screen
reader. The exact functionality is defined by the screen reader. Please refer to your
screen reader documentation for detailed functionality of the ALVA BC640.
Smartpad
The integrated Smartpad allows for simultaneous access to mainstream devices such
as PC’s, PDA’s and (smart)phones and navigation through menu’s and dialog boxes.
From left to right, the Smartpad keys are:
Smartpad key 1 First rectangular key at the left marked with 3 horizontal lines
Smartpad key 2 Second rectangular key at the left marked with 1 horizontal line
LEFT Left key on the 5-way navigation key
UP Top key on the 5-way navigation key
DOWN Bottom key on the 5-way navigation key
RIGHT Right key on the 5-way navigation key
MIDDLE Middle key marked with a round dot of the 5-way navigation key
Smartpad key 3 Second rectangular key from the right marked with 1 vertical line
Smartpad key 4 Most right rectangular key marked with 3 vertical lines

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eTouch keys
The two keys on each side of the Braille line are called the eTouch keys. They are
used for panning left and right as well as various other Braille functions.
eTouch 1 Top left key marked with two vertical lines
eTouch 2 Bottom left key marked with one horizontal line
eTouch 3 Top right key marked with two vertical lines
eTouch 4 Bottom right key marked with one horizontal line
Cursor Routing Keys
The cursor routing keys correspond to the particular Braille cell immediately above
each button. Typically, they are used for routing the cursor or caret to the
corresponding Braille cell, generating a left or right mouse click at that point, or for
obtaining additional information about the contents of the Braille cell.
Thumb Keys
At the front of the Braille Controller five front panel keys are placed, the so called
thumb keys. Four bigger keys are symmetrically aligned along the front of the ALVA
BC640. One smaller button is located in the middle of the front. Pressing one of the
four bigger thumb keys will navigate left, right, up or down. By pressing the middle
key you will return to the cursor position
2.2. The ALVA BC640 Braille Audio Feature Pack
The ALVA BC640 Braille Audio Feature Pack is placed correctly in front of you when
the Braille input keys are located at the back of the flat surface and the thumb keys of
the ALVA BC640 Base Unit are facing towards you.
The ALVA BC640 Braille Audio Feature Pack contains:
1. The Ctrl key
2. An eight key Braille keyboard (From left to right Braille keys 7, 3, 2, 1, 4, 5,
6, 8)
3. Windows key (to open the Windows Start Menu)
4. Enter key
5. Alt key
6. Headphone connector
7. Microphone connector
8. Space bar
9. Volume control and mute button
10.Integrated high quality stereo speakers

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679
8
2.2.1. Braille Audio Feature Pack: Surface lay-out
The ALVA BC640 Braille Audio Feature Pack is designed with an eight-key Braille
keyboard that is located directly behind the 40 cell Braille line. The Braille keyboard
consists of eight Braille keys, a space bar, a Ctrl key, a Windows key, an Enter key
and an Alt key and two integrated high quality stereo speakers that are located at the
left and right of the Braille keyboard. The space bar is the long key that is located at
the centre of the Braille Audio Feature Pack. The eight rectangular keys located at
the left and right of the space bar are the Braille input keys. The four square keys are
the Ctrl key, Windows key, Enter key and Alt key. From left to right the keys are
labeled as Ctrl key, Braille key 7, Braille key 3, Braille key 2, Braille key 1, Windows
key, Enter key, Braille key 4, Braille key 5, Braille key 6, Braille key 8 and the Alt key.
2.2.2. Right Side lay-out
The volume and mute button is located on the right side of the Braille Audio Feature
Pack. Moving the button toward you allows you to turn the volume down and moving
the button away from you will turn the volume up. Pressing the button will mute the
audio, which will generate a low beep. Pressing this button once again will generate
a louder beep and will switch the mute function off. A message will display on the
Braille line to indicate whether or not the mute function is on or off.
2.2.3. Left Side lay-out
The left side of the Braille Audio Feature Pack contains two connectors. From back to
front you will find a 3.5 mm headphone connector and a 3.5 mm microphone
connector.
2.3. ALVA BC680 Unit
The ALVA BC680 is placed correctly in front of you when the Braille input keys are
located at the back of the flat surface and the thumb keys of the ALVA BC680 Unit
are facing towards you.
The ALVA BC640 Braille Audio Feature Pack contains:
1. 80-cell Braille display
2. eTouch keys (left) for panning left and right and screen reading functions
3. eTouch keys (right) for panning left and right and screen reading functions

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4. Smartpad (left) with 5-way navigation key and 4 keys for easy access to
mainstream devices
5. Smartpad (right) with 5-way navigation key and 4 keys for easy access to
mainstream devices
6. Thumbkeys for panning left, right, up and down and returning to the cursor
position
7. 80 Cursor Routing Keys
8. Power supply and keyboard connectors
9. USB ports (left and right)
10.On/off switch
9
24153
867
2.3.1 Surface and front panel lay-out
The ALVA BC680 is designed with a row of 80 Braille cells at the back of the flat
surface. In front of the Braille cells one row of small buttons can be found, known as
Cursor Routing Keys. Each Braille cell has a corresponding Cursor Routing Key that
can be used for multiple functions. One the left and right side of the Braille line you
will find two groups of two keys. These so-called eTouch keys can be used for Braille
panning left and right as well as various other screen reader functions.
In front of the Cursor Routing Keys, you will find two groups of 9 keys. These groups
are called Smartpad. The ALVA BC680 contains a Smartpad Left (below dots 11 to
30) and a Smartpad Right (in front of dots 51 to 70). Each Smartpad consists of 4
function keys and a 5-way navigation key. The Smartpad can be used for operating
mainstream devices, such as PC’s, (Smart)phones and PDA’s.
2.3.2 Back panel lay-out
At the back of the Braille Controller, two USB ports can be found. The left USB port
(marked with one dot) can be used for charging the integrated batteries over USB
and for connecting the optional built-in screen reader with your PC. The right USB
port has been marked with two dots and this port can not be used for charging the
integrated batteries over USB and for connecting the optional built-in screen reader
with your PC.

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2.3.3 Right side lay-out
The power switch is located at the right side of the Braille Controller. The Braille
Controller is switched on when the rectangular push button is pressed. Switching the
Braille Controller on will generate an audio signal.
2.3.4 Left side lay-out
The left side of the ALVA BC680 contains two connectors. From front to back:
keyboard connector and power connector.
2.3.5 Front panel keys, Smartpad, eTouch navigation buttons and
cursor routing keys
The names of the ALVA BC680 keys listed in this section will be used in all
documentation, including your screen reader documentation. This section describes
the name of the key(s) and its main function, which is supported by the screen
reader. The exact functionality is defined by the screen reader. Please refer to your
screen reader documentation for detailed functionality of the ALVA BC680
Smartpad
The integrated Smartpad allows for simultaneous access to mainstream devices such
as PC’s, PDA’s and (smart)phones and navigation through menu’s and dialog boxes.
The ALVA BC680 contains two Smartpads. The left Smartpad is located on the left
side of the Braille Controller, in front of Braille cells 11 to 30. The right Smartpad is
located on the right side of the Braille Controller, in front of cells 51 to 70. From left to
right, the Smartpad keys are:
Smartpad key 1 First rectangular key at the left marked with 3 horizontal lines
Smartpad key 2 Second rectangular key at the left marked with 1 horizontal line
LEFT Left key on the 5-way navigation key
UP Top key on the 5-way navigation key
DOWN Bottom key on the 5-way navigation key
RIGHT Right key on the 5-way navigation key
MIDDLE Middle key marked with a round dot of the 5-way navigation key
Smartpad key 3 Second rectangular key from the right marked with 1 vertical line
Smartpad key 4 Most right rectangular key marked with 3 vertical lines
eTouch keys
The two eTouch keys on each side of the Braille line are called the eTouch keys.
They are used for panning left and right as well as various other Braille functions.
eTouch 1 Top left key marked with two vertical lines
eTouch 2 Bottom left key marked with one horizontal line
eTouch 3 Top right key marked with two vertical lines
eTouch 4 Bottom right key marked with one horizontal line
Cursor Routing Keys
The cursor routing keys correspond to the particular Braille cell immediately above
each button. Typically, they are used for routing the cursor or caret to the

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corresponding Braille cell, generating a left or right mouse click at that point, or for
obtaining additional information about the contents of the Braille cell.
Thumb keys
At the front of the Braille Controller ten front panel keys are place, the so-called
thumb keys. Eight bigger keys are symmetrically aligned along the front of the ALVA
BC680. Two smaller buttons are located at the far left and right side of the front.
Pressing one of the eight bigger thumb keys will navigate left, right, up or down. By
pressing one of the smaller keys, you will return to the cursor position.

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3. Installation
In this section, a general description of the installation procedure is described for the
JAWS and Dolphin screen readers for Windows XP and Windows Vista, the Braille
Audio Feature Pack setup and Bluetooth® installation. Please refer to the screen
reader documentation for instructions on how to setup and configure the Braille
display for other screen readers and operating systems.
In case you upgraded your ALVA BC640 Base Unit to an ALVA BC640 with Braille
Audio Feature Pack, please make sure to upgrade the firmware to version 1.14.0 or
higher and Bluetooth® version 1.6.0 and 1.4.0. To learn more about the firmware
version, please refer to chapter 4.
3.1. Setting up the ALVA Braille Controller
3.1.1. Setting up the USB connection
The ALVA Braille Controller is compatible with Windows XP and Windows Vista.
Older Windows versions are not supported. It does not need any special USB drivers.
Windows XP or Windows Vista will automatically detect the ALVA Braille Controller
and install the necessary drivers.
1. Attach the USB cable to the ALVA Braille Controller and computer.
2. A 4GB removable drive will appear on the screen. This drive contains the
ALVA BC6-series screen reader drivers for JAWS and Dolphin.
3. Switch on the ALVA Braille Controller. Windows will automatically install
the necessary drivers. Generally this does not require any further user
input. When the connection is established the ALVA Braille Controller will
issue an audible signal and displays the message “USB connected”.
4. If you use an ALVA BC640 with Braille Audio Feature Pack, the audio will
be rerouted to the Braille Audio Feature Pack and the Braille keyboard will
be installed. Please refer to chapter 6 for the configuration instructions for
the USB audio and the eight key Braille input for the ALVA BC640 with
Braille Audio Feature Pack.
3.1.2 Setting up the USB keyboard connection of the ALVA BC680
To connect your PC keyboard to the ALVA BC680 locate the USB keyboard
connector on the left side of the ALVA BC680 and insert the USB plug of your
keyboard. Windows will automatically detect your keyboard without having to install
drivers.
3.2. Installing ALVA BC6-series screen reader drivers
1. Insert the ALVA BC6-series software CD-ROM that came with the package
in your computer’s disk drive.

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2. The program will automatically run if the autostart feature of your CD-ROM
drive is enabled.
a. If the autostart feature is not enabled, open the Windows Start Menu,
select ‘Run’ and type d:\setup.exe (assuming d: is the letter assigned
to your disk drive) and press Enter.
b. Or, locate the ALVA_BC640 or ALVA_BC680 folder on the ALVA
BC6-series removable drive and run the “ALVA BC6 Setup.exe”.
3. Select “Install screen reader drivers”
4. The setup program will guide you through the installation.
5. The setup program will automatically search your system for installations of
JAWS, Window-Eyes and Dolphin screen readers and will install all
necessary drivers, manuals and the ALVA BC6 Control Panel. Please note
that the ALVA BC640 and BC680 is only supported by Windows XP and
Windows Vista.
Drivers for screen readers other than Dolphin, Window-Eyes and JAWS are included
in the products themselves and are not found on the ALVA BC6-sereis CD-ROM.
Please refer to your screen reader documentation for more information about the
setup of the ALVA Braille Controller. You have the choice between two setup types: a
complete and a custom setup. We recommend that you use the “Complete” setup.
The “Complete” setup will automatically install and update all the necessary
components. If you would like to install the ALVA BC6-series software manually you
can choose the “Custom” setup option. This option is for advanced users only. The
“Custom” setup will ask you what components you would like to install. For each
component chosen you will need to provide the correct installation location.
Note:
The USB audio channel in Windows is configured to mix the microphone audio with
the playback audio. This can result in a beeping sound when connection the Braille
Audio Feature Pack to the PC via USB. To prevent Windows from mixing the
microphone with the playback device mute the microphone in the playback mixer of
the Windows volume control.
3.3. Bluetooth® connection
3.3.1. Preparing for Bluetooth® connection
With the ALVA BC640 and ALVA BC680 a class 1 high range USB Bluetooth®
dongle for Windows XP and Windows Vista is included. Depending on the
Bluetooth® software included with other Bluetooth® modules, it will be possible that
not all ALVA BC6-series functionality will be supported. The Bluetooth® dongle and
software, which is included with the ALVA Braille Controller, is optimized for best
performance and Bluetooth® range. We therefore highly recommend using the
supplied dongle for best results and ease of installation.
3.3.2. Setting up the Bluetooth® USB dongle
Once the screen reader drivers have been installed, the next step is the installation of
the supplied Bluetooth® USB dongle.

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1. Upon Windows start-up, insert the ALVA BC6-series software CD-ROM. The
installation program will automatically run if the autostart feature of your CD-
ROM drive is enabled. Please make sure to use the ALVA BC6-series CD
and not the Belkin CD.
2. Select Bluetooth® Setup
3. The setup program will guide you through the installation.
Warning!
Please note that the installaton of the Bluetooth® software may take more than 20
minutes. Please do not interrupt the setup, even when the setup appears to be
unresponsive. Interrupting the setup will result in an incorrect installation of the
Bluetooth® software and will cause the ALVA BC6-series Audio and keyboard to
function incorrectly. In case the installation is interrupted, please uninstall the
Bluetooth® drivers before attempting to reinstall the Belkin Bluetooth® drivers. The
unistallation procedure may take more than 20 minutes. Please make sure to not
interrupt the uninstallation procedure.
Once the Bluetooth® dongle and its software are installed, an icon named “My
Bluetooth Places” will appear on the desktop of your Windows computer. To create
the Bluetooth® connection with your ALVA BC640 Base Unit, ALVA BC640 with
Braille Audio Feature Pack or ALVA BC680, the device will need to be paired with the
PC. Once the ALVA Braille Controller has been paired succesfully, the required
Bluetooth® services have to be activated.
The ALVA BC640 Base Unit has one Bluetooth® module and uses one Bluetooth®
service. The ALVA BC680 has one Bluetooth® module and uses two Bluetooth®
services. The ALVA BC640 with Braille Audio Feature Pack has two Bluetooth®
modules and uses four Bluetooth® services.
Bluetooth® modules and services:
Bluetooth® Services
Model Braille
Bluetooth ®
Serial Port
Bluetooth®
HID Keyboard
Bluetooth®
Mono Audio
Bluetooth®
Stereo Audio
ALVA BC640
Base Unit
ALVA BC640
Bluetooth®
module
ALVA BC640
with Braille
Audio FP
ALVA BC640
Bluetooth®
module
ALVA BC640
Bluetooth®
module
ALVA BC640
Bluetooth®
module
ALVA BC640
FP Bluetooth
module
ALVA BC680 ALVA BC680
Bluetooth®
module
ALVA BC680
Bluetooth®
module
As indicated in the figure above, the ALVA BC640 Base Unit only uses the
Bluetooth® serial service. However, the ALVA BC640 with Braille Audio Feature
Pack uses two modules; one module for the serial connection or serial service, the

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HID (Human Interface Device) keyboard connection or keyboard service and the
mono headset connection or mono headset service. The second Bluetooth® module
is used for the stereo audio. The ALVA BC680 uses the serial and keyboard services.
Pairing the ALVA BC640 or BC680 using the ALVA BC6 Control Panel:
1. Launch the ALVA BC6 Control Panel by going to Start, Programs, ALVA BC6,
ALVA BC6 Control Panel;
2. Select the Bluetooth Setup Property Sheet;
3. Select the Belkin Stack and activate the Scan button;
4. Select the ALVA BC6 from the list and press configure;
5. The program will ask you for the pin code and will automatically configure the
Bluetooth connection.
Pairing the ALVA BC640 Base Unit (without Braille Audio Feature Pack) using My
Bluetooth Locations:
1. Activate the option “My Bluetooth Places”
2. A Wizard will automatically open in Windows Explorer.
3. Activate the “Find Bluetooth devices” option (we recommend you not to use
the Bluetooth® setup wizard).
4. Locate the ALVA BC640 in the list with found devices, by using the arrow
keys or click it once with the mouse. If the ALVA BC640 is not found, press
the F5 key to search again.
5. Press ALT + B for the Bluetooth® menu and select “Pair device”.
6. To pair the ALVA BC640 with your Bluetooth® dongle, you have to enter a
PIN code. The default code is 0000. In case you changed this number in the
Local Menu of the ALVA BC640, please enter your personal code and press
Enter. The ALVA BC640 is now paired with your computer.
7. Select the ALVA BC640 form the list with found devices again and press
Enter.
8. Select “Dev B on ALVA BC640” and press Enter to connect the serial port. A
dialog box with the serial port number will appear. Press Enter to close this
dialog box. The ALVA BC640 will issue an audible signal and displays the
message “BT connected” to indicate that the connection has been
established and is functioning.
9. Select “Headset on ALVA BC640” and press Enter to connect the mono
audio. A dialog box will appear to confirm that the audio connection has
been established. Press Enter to close this dialog box.
10.Select “Human Interface Device on ALVA BC640” and press enter to
connect the Braille keyboard.
11.Press Backspace to return to the “Find Bluetooth Devices” screen.
12.To pair the second module of the Braille Audio Feature Pack for stereo
audio, locate the ALVA BC640 Braille Audio Feature Pack in the list of found

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devices, using the arrow keys or clicking the mouse once. If the ALVA
BC640 Braille Audio Feature Pack is not found, press the F5 key to search
again.
13.Press ALT + B for the Bluetooth® menu and select “Pair device”
14.To pair the ALVA BC640 Braille Audio Feature Pack with the Bluetooth®
dongle, you have to enter a PIN code. The default code is 0000. In case you
changed this number in the Local Menu, please enter your personal code
and press Enter. The ALVA BC640 with Braille Audio Feature Pack is now
paired with your computer.
15.Select the ALVA BC640 Braille Audio Feature Pack from the list with found
devices again and press Enter. A dialog box will appear to confirm that the
stereo audio connection has been established. Press Enter to close this
dialog box.
Pairing the ALVA BC640 with Braille Audio Feature Pack using My Bluetooth
Locations:
1. Activate the option “My Bluetooth Places”
2. A Wizard will automatically open in Windows Explorer.
3. Activate the “Find Bluetooth devices” option (we recommend you not to use
the Bluetooth® setup wizard).
4. Locate the ALVA BC640 in the list with found devices, by using the arrow
keys or click it once with the mouse. If the ALVA BC640 is not found, press
the F5 key to search again.
5. Press ALT + B for the Bluetooth® menu and select “Pair device”.
6. To pair the ALVA BC640 with your Bluetooth® dongle, you have to enter a
PIN code. The default code is 0000. In case you changed this number in the
Local Menu of the ALVA BC640, please enter your personal code and press
Enter. The ALVA BC640 is now paired with your computer.
7. Select the ALVA BC640 form the list with found devices again and press
Enter.
8. Select “Dev B on ALVA BC640” and press Enter to connect the serial port. A
dialog box with the serial port number will appear. Press Enter to close this
dialog box. The ALVA BC640 will issue an audible signal and displays the
message “BT connected” to indicate that the connection has been
established and is functioning.
9. Select “Headset on ALVA BC640” and press Enter to connect the mono
audio. A dialog box confirming that the audio connection is established will
appear. Press Enter to close this dialog box.
10.Select “Human Interface Device on ALVA BC640” and press enter to
connect the Braille keyboard.
11.Press Backspace to return to the “Find Bluetooth Devices” screen.
12.To pair the second module of the Braille Audio Feature Pack for stereo
audio, locate the ALVA BC640 Braille Audio Feature Pack in the list with
found devices, using the arrow keys or clicking the mouse once. If the ALVA

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BC640 Braille Audio Feature Pack is not found, press the F5 key to search
again.
13.Press ALT + B for the Bluetooth® menu and select “Pair device”
14.To pair the ALVA BC640 Braille Audio Feature Pack with the Bluetooth®
dongle, you have to enter a PIN code. The defailt code is 0000. In case you
changed this number in the Local Menu, please enter your personal code
and press Enter. The ALVA BC640 with Braille Audio Feature Pack is now
paired with your computer.
15.Select the ALVA BC640 Braille Audio Feature Pack from the list with found
devices again and press Enter. A dialog box confirming that the stereo audio
connection is established will appear. Press Enter to close this dialog box.
When the ALVA BC6-series screen reader drivers are properly installed (see
paragraph 3.2), you may have to reload your screen reader to establish the
Bluetooth® connection.

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4. The ALVA BC6-series menu
This chapter describes the menus of the ALVA BC6-series .Standard there is one so-
called Local Menu on the ALVA BC640 and ALVA BC680. The Local Menu enables
you to change several built-in settings of the Braille display.
When using an ALVA BC640 with the Braille Audio Feature Pack there will be two
extra menus: the Bluetooth® connection menu and audio menu described in
subchapter 4.3. .
When the ALVA BC640 or ALVA BC680 is switched on, the following message is
displayed:
“ALVA BC640 ready” followed by the date and time.
“ALVA BC680 ready” followed by the date and time.
This message will automatically disappear when the screen reader is loaded and a
successful connection with the ALVA BC640 or ALVA BC680 is established.
4.1. Local Menu
Some menu items in the Local Menu are only available when using an ALVA BC640
with Braille Audio Feature Pack or an ALVA BC680. These menu items are marked
as ‘*FP*’ or ‘*ALVA BC680*’.
4.1.1. Activating the Local Menu
To enter the Local Menu press the keys Smartpad key 2 + Smartpad key 3 + arrow
down key simultaneously. To exit the Local Menu press Smartpad key 1. The
Smartpad keys are located on top of the ALVA BC640. If you are using an ALVA
BC680, please use the left Smartpad, located in front of Braille cell 11 to 30. The
arrow keys and Enter key are located in the centre of the Smartpad. The four
remaining keys are labeled from left to right Smartpad key 1 to 4. Refer to chapter 2
for a detailed description of the ALVA Braille Controller keys.
4.1.2. Changing settings in the Local Menu
The Local Menu allows you to configure the ALVA Braille Controller or review
information about the current status of the ALVA BC6-series. Some menu items will
only be active when a Braille Audio Feature Pack has been installed. These menu
items will proceed with “FP”.
Local menu Key Combination
Next menu item Smartpad arrow up key
Previous menu item Smartpad arrow down key
Select menu item Smartpad Enter key
Next field in menu item Smartpad arrow right key