Optelec Braille ALVA USB 640 Comfort User manual

User Manual
Version 2
UDC-02067C
© 2014 Optelec, the Netherlands.
All rights reserved
Optelec
2993 LT Barendrecht
The Netherlands
Telephone: [phone]. Fax: [phone]
Internet: www.optelec.com

Optelec ALVA USB 640 Comfort
English Page 1
Contents
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................... 2
1.1. About this manual ............................................................................................ 2
1.2. ALVA USB 640 Comfort package contents...................................................... 2
2. Getting to know your ALVA USB 640 Comfort................................................ 3
2.1. ALVA USB 640 Comfort................................................................................... 3
2.1.1. Top and front panel layout......................................................................... 3
2.1.2. Right side layout........................................................................................ 4
2.1.3. Left side layout.......................................................................................... 4
2.1.4. Front panel keys, eTouch navigation buttons and cursor routing keys...... 4
3. Installation ......................................................................................................... 5
3.1. Setting up the ALVA USB 640 COMFORT ...................................................... 5
3.2. Installing the ALVA USB 640 Comfort screen reader drivers ........................... 5
4. Key assignments for JAWS, Dolphin and Window-Eyes............................... 6
Appendix: Safety and regulatory notices............................................................... 8
Optelec offices worldwide ..................................................................................... 11

Optelec ALVA USB 640 Comfort
Page 2 English
1. Introduction
Congratulations on choosing the ALVA USB 640 Comfort, a Braille display with high
quality Braille cells. The ALVA USB 640 Comfort offers optimal flexibility and
productivity in an ultra compact design. Used in combination with a wide range of
screen readers, the ALVA USB 640 Comfort can be used with most operating
systems.
The ALVA USB 640 Comfort extends the navigational and operational possibilities of
your screen reading software, and allows you to be in full control of your computer. Its
ergonomic design allows for optimal efficiency when working with a computer. Note
that the ALVA USB 640 Comfort ‘s functionality will depend on the Braille display
options of your screen reader and your mainstream computing hardware.
The ALVA USB 640 Comfort was designed to adhere to the Open Standard
philosophy to work with mainstream technology, enabling compatibility with most
screen reading software and operating systems. For the latest information about
screen readers that fully support the device, or for any questions or suggestions
concerning the use of this Braille display, please contact your supplier or the Optelec
office nearest to you by consulting the contact information page at the end of this
manual. Your feedback is highly appreciated. We hope you enjoy working with your
ALVA USB 640 Comfort.
1.1. About this manual
This manual will familiarize you with the features and operation of your ALVA USB
640 Comfort. Please read this manual carefully before using your device.
1.2. ALVA USB 640 Comfort package contents
The ALVA USB 640 Comfort package contains the following:
–The ALVA USB 640 Comfort Base Unit
–A sleeve
–USB cable
–The ALVA USB 640 Comfort driver software for Windows 7 and higher,
and product documentation on CD-ROM.
If any of these items are missing from your package, please contact your supplier.

Optelec ALVA USB 640 Comfort
English Page 3
2. Getting to know your ALVA USB 640 Comfort
This chapter will provide you with a detailed description of the ALVA USB 640
Comfort layout.
2.1. ALVA USB 640 Comfort
The ALVA USB 640 Comfort features:
1. 40-cell Braille display
2. eTouch keys (left) for panning left and right, and for screen-reading functions
3. eTouch keys (right) for panning left and right, and for screen-reading
functions
4. Thumb keys for panning left, right, up and down, and for returning to the
cursor position
5. 40 Cursor Routing Keys
6. Mini USB connector
7. On/off switch
When the ALVA USB 640 Comfort is placed correctly in front of you, the Braille cells
are located at the back of the flat surface, and the thumb keys are facing you.
2.1.1. Top and front panel layout
The ALVA USB 640 Comfort design features a row of 40 Braille cells, located at the
back of the flat surface. In front of the Braille cells, you will find a row of small
buttons, which are 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 find two groups of two keys. These are called
eTouch keys, which can be used for Braille panning left and right, and also for
various other screen reading functions.

Optelec ALVA USB 640 Comfort
Page 4 English
2.1.2. Right side layout
The power switch is located on the right side of the ALVA USB 640 Comfort. The
ALVA USB 640 Comfort is switched on when the rectangular push-button is pressed.
Upon switching it on, the ALVA USB 640 Comfort will generate an audio signal.
2.1.3. Left side layout
The left side of the ALVA USB 640 Comfort features two connectors. From front to
back, you will find a mini USB connector and a feature connector. The feature
connector has no function with the release of this manual.
2.1.4. Front panel keys, eTouch navigation buttons and cursor routing
keys
The names of the ALVA USB 640 Comfort keys listed in this section will be used
throughout all of the documentation, including the screen reader documentation. This
section will present the name of the keys, and describe their main function as
supported by the screen reader. Their precise function is defined by the screen
reader. Please refer to your screen reader documentation for detailed key function
definitions.
eTouch keys
The two keys found on each side of the Braille line are called eTouch keys. They are
used for panning left and right, and also for 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
Each cursor routing key corresponds to the Braille cell located immediately above it.
These keys are typically 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 content of the Braille cell.
Thumb keys
At the front of the ALVA USB 640 Comfort, you will find five front panel keys known
as thumb keys. These include four large keys symmetrically aligned along the front of
the ALVA USB 640 Comfort, and one smaller button located in the centre. Pressing
the four large thumb keys will allow you to navigate left, right, up or down
respectively. Pressing the key in the middle will allow you to return to the cursor
position.

Optelec ALVA USB 640 Comfort
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3. Installation
This section will present a general description of the installation procedure for the
JAWS, Dolphin and Window-Eyes screen readers on a Windows 7 or higher platform.
To install and configure the Braille display with other screen readers and operating
systems, please refer to the screen reader documentation for instructions.
3.1. Setting up the ALVA USB 640 COMFORT
The ALVA USB 640 COMFORT is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista and
Windows 7. Previous versions of Windows are not supported. Windows XP, Windows
Vista or Windows 7 will automatically detect the ALVA USB 640 Comfort, and install
the necessary USB drivers.
1. Attach the USB cable to the ALVA USB 640 Comfort and then to the
computer. Comfort Switch on the ALVA USB 640 Comfort. Windows will
automatically install the necessary USB drivers. This does not require any
further user input. Once the connection is established, the ALVA USB 640
Comfort will generate an audible signal, and will display the message “USB
connected”. This process will take approximately one minute. Please do
not interrupt the installation or turn the ALVA USB 640 Comfort off.
3.2. Installing the ALVA USB 640 Comfort screen reader drivers
Drivers for the majority of the screen readers are included in the products
themselves. Therefore, you do not need to install the screen reader drivers from the
ALVA 6-series CD-ROM. Please refer to your screen reader documentation for more
information on the setup of, and selection of the ALVA USB 640 Comfort and to
select and configure the unit in your screen reader.
Only if the drivers on the CD-Rom are newer than the drivers included with the
screen reader, we recommend to install the screen reader drivers from the CD-ROM:
1. Insert the ALVA USB 640 COMFORT software CD-ROM that came with the
package in your computer’s disk drive.
2. The program will automatically run if the autostart feature of your CD-ROM drive is
enabled.
If the autostart feature is not enabled, press the Windows key and type
d:\setup.exe (assuming d: is the letter assigned to your CD-ROM drive) and
press Enter.
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
and manual.

Optelec ALVA USB 640 Comfort
Page 6 English
4. Key assignments for JAWS, Dolphin and Window-Eyes
T = Thumb key
ALVA USB 640 Comfort
key
JAWS
Dolphin Supernova / Hal
eTouch1
Left wiz wheel up
Braille document read
back
eTouch2
Left wiz wheel down
Where am I
eTouch3
Right wiz wheel up
Braille document read
forward
eTouch4
Right wiz wheel down
Read status line
eTouch1 + eTouch2
Press left wiz wheel
Braille line start
eTouch1 + eTouch3
Braille auto advance
eTouch1 + eTouch4
Increase auto advance
speed
eTouch2 + eTouch3
Decrease auto advance
speed
eTouch2 + eTouch4
Braille toggle speech
interrupt
eTouch3 + eTouch 4
Press right wiz wheel
Braille line end
T3 + eTouch1
Braille toggle mode
Physical mode on/off
T3 + eTouch2
Braille toggle Cursor
Toggle virtual focus on/off
T3 + eTouch3
Braille moves active
Braille verbosity scheme
cycle
T3 + eTouch4
Braille toggle 8 pixels per
space
Expand gaps on/off
T1
Pan left
Braille back
T2
Braille prior line
Line up
T3
Route Braille to active
cursor
Go to focus
T4
Braille next line
Line down
T5
Pan right
Braille forward
T1 + T2
Braille Top
Braille top
T1 + T3
Set Braille verbosity
T1 + T4
Braille change cursor
shape
Cursor style
T1 + T5
Braille toggle table reading
Braille input on/off
T2 + T4
Braille toggle 8 dots
Toggle 8 dots/6 dots
T2 + T3
Braille Grade2 translation
Literary Braille on/off
T2 + T5
Braille toggle marking off
Braille cursor visible on/off
T3 + T4
Braille Grade2 expand
current word
T3 + T5
Braille toggle marking
Enhance on/off
T4 + T5
Braille bottom
Braille bottom

Optelec ALVA USB 640 Comfort
English Page 7
ALVA USB 640 Comfort
key
Window-Eyes
eTouch1
Scroll Braille left
eTouch2
Top line
eTouch3
Scroll Braille right
eTouch4
Bottom line
T3 + eTouch1
Scroll mode toggle
T3 + eTouch2
WE/Mouse toggle
T3 + eTouch3
Auto route cursor toggle
T3 + eTouch4
Spacing toggle
T1
Scroll Braille left
T2
Prior Braille line
T3
To focus
T4
Next Braille line
T5
Scroll Braille right
T1 + T2
Show attribute toggle
T1 + T3
Auto route cursor toggle
T1 + T4
Indent toggle
T1 + T5
Quick message rotor
T2 + T4
6 / 8 dot toggle
T2 + T3
Grade 2 Braille toggle
T2 + T5
Braille tracking toggle
T3 + T4
Auto untranslate at cursor
T4 + T5
Attribute to show rotor

Optelec ALVA USB 640 Comfort
Page 8 English
Appendix: Safety and regulatory notices
This equipment has been developed and tested in order to comply with the following
regulations:
and for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 rules.
Medical electrical equipment requires special precaution regarding EMC (Electro
Magnetic Compatibility), and must be installed and put into service according to EMC
guidelines.
WARNING: The use of accessories, transducers and cables other than those
specified and sold by the manufacturer of the ALVA USB 640 Comfort as
replacement component parts may result in increased emissions or decreased
immunity of the ALVA USB 640 Comfort.
By design, the ALVA will shut down in case of an ESD 8kV test pulse. The ALVA
USB 640 Comfort will have to be switched back on to resume operation.
CE Caution
The input and output parts need to be connected correctly;
The unit is designed for exclusive interconnection with IEC/EN 60XXX certified
equipment outside of the user environment, and with IEC/EN 60601-1 certified
equipment within the user environment.
This device complies with EN 60601-1-2. To minimize interference from other
equipment, a minimum distance of 0.5 m shall be kept from other potential
electromagnetic sources, such as a mobile phone.
Equipment connected to analog or digital interfaces must comply with the
respective IEC/EN standards (e.g. IEC/EN 60950-1 for data-processing
equipment, and with IEC/EN 60601-1 for medical equipment).
Do not open the housing.
Only qualified service personnel should service the unit.
All possible forms of configuration must comply with the current version of the
IEC/EN 60601-1-1 system standard directive.
Please be aware that connecting additional equipment to the signal input part
or signal output part of the device entails that a medical system is being
configured. Therefore, the individual, who is configuring and interconnecting
the system, is responsible for the entire system, and must make sure it is
compliant with the current version of the requirements of the IEC/EN 60601-1-
1 system standard. In case of any doubt about system compliance under the
current version of the requirements of the IEC/EN 60601-1-1 system standard,
please consult the technical service department or your local representative.
FCC
FCC Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that

Optelec ALVA USB 640 Comfort
English Page 9
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
-Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
-Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
-Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution
To ensure continued compliance, follow the attached installation instructions, and
use only shielded interface cables with ferrite core when connecting to a computer or
peripheral device. Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement
This transmitter must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter. This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure
limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. To maintain compliance with FCC RF
exposure compliance requirements, avoid direct contact to the transmitting antenna
during transmitting. Any changes or modifications made to this device (including the
antennas) not expressly approved by the manufacturer may void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.
Safety Logo:
This device complies with the
93/42/EEC, EN60601-1,EN60601-2
relative to European standards.
Explanation of Graphical Symbols
This symbol warns the user that uninsulated voltage within the unit may have
sufficient intensity to cause electric shock, therefore
it is dangerous to make
contact with any part inside this unit.
This symbol alerts the user that important literature concerning the operation
and maintenance of this unit is included. It should therefore
be read carefully
in order to avoid any problems.
Stand-by
Direct Current

Optelec ALVA USB 640 Comfort
Page 10 English
Disposal of old products
-If you see this symbol-
Information on Disposal methods for other countries outside
the European Union.
This symbol is only valid in the European Union.
If you wish to discard this product, please contact your local
authority or dealer to learn about the correct disposal method.
Environmental conditions
Environment Operating temperature:
+0° C ~ +40° C
Conditions
Storage/transportation
temperature:
-20° C ~ +60° C
Operating relative humidity:
20% ~80% non-condensing
Storage/transportation
relative humidity:
10% ~95% non-condensing
Atmospheric pressure:
500~1060 hPa
Warranty conditions
Optelec warrants the ALVA USB 640 Comfort, effective from the date of delivery, to
be free of any defects in material and workmanship.
Warranty is not transferable. The ALVA USB 640 Comfort has been designed for the
individual purchaser to be used in home and office environments. Optelec reserves
the right to repair or replace any purchased ALVA USB 640 Comfort with a similar or
better product.
In no event shall Optelec or its distributors be liable for indirect or consequential
Comfort. The original user’s remedies are limited to replacement of ALVA USB 640
COMFORT modules. This warranty is valid only when serviced in the country of
original purchase, and with intact seals. For additional warranty claims or service
during or after the warranty period, please consult your supplier.
Optelec takes no responsibility for use of this device other than described in this
manual.

Optelec ALVA USB 640 Comfort
Pagina 11 Italiano
Optelec offices worldwide
Optelec U.S. Ltd
3030 Enterprise Court, Suite C
Vista, CA 92081
U.S.A.
T. [phone]
www.optelec.com
Optelec Canada
1832, Boulevard Marie-Victorin
Longueil, QC J4G 1Y9
Canada
T: [phone]
www.optelec.ca
Optelec Limited
2, Millfield House, Woodshots Meadow
Croxley Green Business Park
Watford, WD18 8YX
United Kingdom
T: [phone]
www.optelec.co.uk
Optelec Nederland BV
Breslau 4
2993 LT Barendrecht
The Netherlands
T: [phone]
www.optelec.nl
Optelec NV
Baron Ruzettelaan 29
B-8310 Bruges
Belgium
T: [phone]
www.optelec.be
Optelec GmbH
Fritzlarer Strasse 25
34613 Schwalmstadt
Germany
T: [phone]
www.optelec.de
Optelec Corporate Headquarters: Breslau 4 - 2993 LT Barendrecht – The
Netherlands – T: [phone] – www.optelec.com