Orbit Research ORBIT WRITER User manual

PROPRIETARY
INFORMATION
ORBIT WRITER
User Guide
30th July 2020
Version 1.1

Orbit Writer –User Guide Version 1.1
Orbit Research Confidential and Proprietary Information 2
Table of Contents
1INTRODUCTION------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4
2DOCUMENTATION CONVENTIONS --------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
3IN THE BOX ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
4FEATURES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5
5ORIENTATION-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
5.1 KEY PLACEMENTS -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7
6GETTING STARTED ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7
6.1 CHARGING THE DEVICE-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------7
6.2 POWERING ON AND OFF----------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
6.3 QUICK STEPS TO PAIR WITH AN IOS DEVICE-----------------------------------------------------------8
7GENERAL SYSTEM COMMANDS AND INDICATIONS--------------------------------------------- 9
7.1 TURNING ON THE ORBIT WRITER------------------------------------------------------------------------9
7.2TURNING OFF THE ORBIT WRITER ----------------------------------------------------------------------9
7.3 ENTERING FIRMWARE UPGRADE MODE-----------------------------------------------------------------9
7.4 ENTERING DFU/BOOT MODE ----------------------------------------------------------------------------9
7.5 SYSTEM RESET--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
7.6 INSERTING AND REMOVING THE CHARGER-------------------------------------------------------------9
7.7 CONNECTING AND DISCONNECTING FROM SCREEN READER ------------------------------------- 10
7.8 AUTOMATIC TURN OFF ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
7.9 SELECTING THE VIBRATION INTENSITY LEVEL ------------------------------------------------------- 10
7.10 CHECK BATTERY LEVEL--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
7.11 LOW BATTERY INDICATIONS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
7.12 LOW BATTERY LOCKOUT-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
8BUILT-IN SELF-TEST--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
9SELECTING THE CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION---------------------------------------------- 11
10 SELECTING THE COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL ------------------------------------------------ 12
10.1 SCREEN READER PROFILE (SRP) BLUETOOTH PROTOCOL -------------------------------------- 13
10.2 KEYBOARD-HID PROTOCOL---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
10.3 ORBIT-HID PROTOCOL---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
10.4 BRAILLE-HID PROTOCOL ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
11 PAIR AND FORGET----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
11.1 FORGET ALL THE DEVICES FROM THE ORBIT WRITER---------------------------------------------- 15
12 RECONNECTING WITH LAST CONNECTED DEVICE-------------------------------------------- 15
13 CONNECTING THE ORBIT WRITER WITH SCREEN READERS ------------------------------ 15
13.1 BEFORE YOU CONNECT--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
13.2 USING THE BLUETOOTH CONNECTION --------------------------------------------------------------- 16
13.3 IOS DEVICES--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
13.3.1 Connecting iOS with Bluetooth-------------------------------------------------------------- 16
13.3.2 iOS Resources ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
13.3.3 iOS Commands --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
13.3.4 Assign the key command on the iOS device--------------------------------------------- 22
13.4 MAC COMPUTERS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22
13.4.1 Connecting Mac with USB-------------------------------------------------------------------- 23
13.4.2 Connecting Mac with Bluetooth ------------------------------------------------------------- 23

Orbit Writer –User Guide Version 1.1
Orbit Research Confidential and Proprietary Information 3
13.5 ANDROID DEVICES--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24
13.5.1 Connecting BrailleBack with Bluetooth---------------------------------------------------- 24
13.5.2 Input Text With BrailleBack------------------------------------------------------------------- 25
13.5.3 BrailleBack Commands ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 25
13.5.4 Connecting the Orbit Writer to BRLTTY over Bluetooth------------------------------- 25
13.5.5 Connecting the Orbit Writer to BRLTTY with USB-------------------------------------- 26
13.5.6 BRLTTY commands---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26
13.6 CHROMEBOOKS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 27
13.6.1 Connecting Chromebook with USB -------------------------------------------------------- 27
13.6.2 Connecting Chromebook with Bluetooth-------------------------------------------------- 27
13.6.3 ChromeVox Settings/Commands----------------------------------------------------------- 27
13.7 FIRE TABLETS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28
13.8 WINDOWS PCS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 28
13.8.1 Connecting Windows with USB ------------------------------------------------------------- 28
13.8.2 Connecting Windows with Bluetooth------------------------------------------------------- 28
13.8.3 Non-Visual Desktop Access (NVDA) ------------------------------------------------------ 29
13.8.4 Job Access with Speech (JAWS)----------------------------------------------------------- 29
13.8.5 System Access---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33
13.8.6 SuperNova --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33
13.8.7 Narrator ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33
14 REBOOT THE DEVICE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34
15 DEVICE UPGRADE PROCEDURE---------------------------------------------------------------------- 34
15.1 DOWNLOAD FIRMWARE PACKAGE --------------------------------------------------------------------- 34
15.2 USING THE WINDOWS PC UPGRADE UTILITY ------------------------------------------------------- 35
16 TROUBLESHOOTING -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 37
17 BATTERY USE AND REPLACEMENT----------------------------------------------------------------- 38
18 ACCESSORIES INFORMATION------------------------------------------------------------------------- 38
19 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39
20 APPENDICES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40
20.1 APPENDIX A–SYSTEM COMMANDS AND INDICATIONS -------------------------------------------- 40
20.2 APPENDIX B-HAPTIC INDICATIONS FOR VARIOUS EVENTS---------------------------------------- 42
20.3 APPENDIX C–KEYBOARD-HID PROTOCOL KEY COMMANDS ------------------------------------- 42
20.4 APPENDIX D-PROPER TRADEMARK NOTICE AND ATTRIBUTION--------------------------------- 46
20.4.1 Hardware Limited Warranty ------------------------------------------------------------------ 47
20.4.2 EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS--------------------------------------------------------- 47
20.5 APPENDIX C-FCC INFORMATION -------------------------------------------------------------------- 49
FCC Notice ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 49
FCC Caution --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 50
21 FURTHER INFORMATION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 50

Orbit Writer –User Guide Version 1.1
Orbit Research Confidential and Proprietary Information 4
1 Introduction
The Orbit Writer is a compact and portable Perkins-style braille keypad with the
following features.
•Works with all smartphones and computers out of the box
•Seamless, instant connection
•Ultra-compact design easily fits in the pocket or purse
•Ergonomic Perkins-style braille keyboard
•High-quality scissors keys for smooth and quiet operation with positive
tactile feedback
•Navigation keys to control your smartphone or computer with intuitive key
combinations. No need to use touch gestures
•Works with iOS, Android, Windows, Mac OS, Fire OS, Chrome OS, and
Linux devices
•Read and send messages and emails
•Browse the internet and social media
•Control your smartphone or computer
•Simultaneous connection to 5 devices over Bluetooth and one over USB,
switch with hotkey combinations
•Support for all languages available on phones and computers
•Fast-charging long-life battery
oOver 3 days of operation
oCharge in under 2 hours
•Lightweight but rugged construction

Orbit Writer –User Guide Version 1.1
Orbit Research Confidential and Proprietary Information 5
o3.2 oz, 6.3 x 2.6 x 0.3 inches
o90 grams, 16.0 x 6.5 x 0.8 cm
•Haptic (vibration) feedback for actions and settings
•Attachment points for a strap or lanyard
•Comes with a USB charging cable
2 Documentation Conventions
For consistency and clarity, this documentation uses the following conventions.
Braille keys are indicated by a number. For example, if the documentation
indicates Dot 1, it shows Dot 1.
If multiple braille keys are required, the documentation indicates those keys by
showing the numbers separated by a space like this: Dots 1 4.
When modifier keys are used, the documentation separates the modifiers from
the rest of the keys with a plus (+) sign like this: Space + Dot 1. Recall that
modifiers, like the Shift key on a regular QWERTY keyboard, are keys you hold
down while pressing another key. This modifies the effect of the pressed key. On
a braille keyboard, Space is often used as a modifier to alter the effect of the
input keys.
Key mnemonics are written in capital letters for emphasis but are typed in braille
lowercase (unless otherwise stated). When one key follows another, the two keys
are shown with a comma between them. For example, the command Select, M
means to press and release the Select key, then press and release M (Dots 1 3
4) simultaneously.
The Up, Down, Right, and Left directional buttons on the navigation pad are
interchangeably referred to as arrows, buttons, arrow buttons, and arrow keys.
3 In the Box
In addition to the basic package that includes Orbit Writer and the printed quick-
start guide, the following accessories are available for sale:
•Orbit Writer device
•Standard-A to Micro-B USB cable
•Printed Quick-Start Guide
Check that all purchased items are in the box that you have received.
4 Features
These are a few of the features the Orbit Writer has to offer

Orbit Writer –User Guide Version 1.1
Orbit Research Confidential and Proprietary Information 6
•Perkins-Style Braille keypad
•Eight Braille Input keys and Space bar
•Navigation pad with four directional buttons (Up, Down, Left, Right) and
the Select button
•Supports up to five Bluetooth and one USB connection
•Micro-B USB charging port
•Bluetooth 5.0® wireless technology
•Rechargeable and non-replaceable batteries
5 Orientation
Orientation to the positioning of keys is important for understanding how the
device operates and how you input and receive information on the device.
To begin the exploration of the Orbit Writer, place the device on a flat surface in
front of you with the wide key closest to you. This is the proper operational
orientation.
On the left side of the device, going from front to back, there is a Micro-B USB
port.

Orbit Writer –User Guide Version 1.1
Orbit Research Confidential and Proprietary Information 7
5.1 Key Placements
Moving toward the top and away from you, find a row of three keys, with a wider
one - in the middle. The wide key is the Space bar. The Dot 7 input key is to the
left of the Space Bar, and the Dot 8 input key is to the right of the Space Bar.
As you continue toward the top of the face of the device, there is a navigation
pad in the middle, between the Braille Input keys and Space bar.
The navigation pad contains the four directional arrow buttons (Up, Down, Left,
Right) and the Select button.
The six traditional braille input keys are aligned horizontally along the top edge of
the face of the display, Dots 3 2 1 on the left and Dots 4 5 6 on the right.
when using the device with a screen reader on a host device, such as an iPhone,
the Braille Input keys can be used to input text or control functionality of
applications.
6 Getting Started
This section explains how to charge, turn the Orbit Writer on and off and quick
steps for connecting with iOS device.
6.1 Charging the Device
When you receive the Orbit Writer, it may already have a charge; however, we
recommend charging it fully before or during first use. You can use the device
and charge it at the same time.
When the battery in the Orbit Writer gets to 20%, it gives three small haptic
pulses at every 3 minutes. This behavior is normal, indicating that the battery is
low.
To charge the device, use the provided Standard-A to Micro-B USB. Insert the
small end of the cable into the Orbit Writer’s USB port with the bumps facing up.
It should slide in without resistance; do not force it. Then insert the large end of
the cable into a computer USB connector or the AC adapter. Plug the adapter
into an AC wall connector.
When you plug in the charger it gives a single short haptic pulse and when you
unplug the charger, it gives battery indication. The charger plug and unplug event
indications are also provided when the unit is off.
We recommend to charge the device for atleast 2 hours always. Usually the Orbit
Writer indicates battery full (Level 5) after 1.5 hours of continuous charging but
we recommend to charge it for more 30 minutes.

Orbit Writer –User Guide Version 1.1
Orbit Research Confidential and Proprietary Information 8
If you have charged the device for 4 or more hours, and it does not power on,
contact Customer Service at [email protected]
6.2 Powering On and Off
The navigation pad is found between the Braille Input keys and Space bar. See
the Orientation section for more information.
To power the device on, press and hold the Up Arrow and Down Arrow keys
together until you feel a short haptic pulse. To power the device off, press and
hold the same key combination until you feel a long haptic pulse. This is how the
Orbit Writer lets you know it is coming on or shutting down.
When you turn the Orbit Writer on, it resumes using the last-used channel. If this
is the first time you are using this device, the first Bluetooth channel (Channel 1)
is selected by default
If the Orbit Writer was turned off with any of the five Bluetooth channels active,
the same channel is activated when the unit is turned back on
After being idle for as long as the automatic power off time limit has been set the
Orbit Writer automatically turns off to conserve power. See the Automatic turn off
section for more information.
6.3 Quick steps to pair with an iOS device
The Orbit Writer can connect to computers and mobile devices to access all of
their functions and features. The following is a simple description of the steps for
connecting
Step 1. Turn on the Orbit Writer by pressing Up + Down Arrow keys. It responds
with a short vibration pulse.
Step 2. You can connect the Orbit Writer to multiple devices. Each connection
is called a channel. Channel 1, the default channel, is already set. Enable pairing
on channel 1 by pressing and holding Space + Left Arrow + Dot 1 until you feel a
short vibration pulse. To read about using other channels, please refer to the
section Selecting the channel of communication.
Step 3. For iOS devices, go to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver, and turn
VoiceOver on. Then go to the Braille item and select it. Look in the list of
available braille displays for “Orbit Reader 20” followed by the last four digits of
your Orbit Writer’s serial number and select this.
The Orbit Writer responds with three short vibration pulses. The first short pulse
indicates it has successfully paired and the other two indicate it has successfully
connected with the iOS device. Once it has paired and connected, it is important
to first lock and unlock the iOS device before using the Orbit Writer with it.
When you lock or unlock your iOS device, the Orbit Writer gives two short
vibration pulses to indicate connection or disconnection with Voiceover.
Notes:
1. If the connection fails, delete the pairing record from your device, and try
the steps above again.

Orbit Writer –User Guide Version 1.1
Orbit Research Confidential and Proprietary Information 9
2. Up to five devices can be simultaneously paired over Bluetooth to the
Orbit Writer. To use a channel other than channel 1, please refer to the
section Selecting the channel of communication.
3. If the Orbit Writer is already on and the smartphone is woken up (due to a
notification or button press), it will reconnect immediately.
4. If the iOS device is already awake and the Orbit Writer is turned on, it will
reconnect with the last used device automatically. It may take up to 10
seconds to be reconnected.
7 General system commands and indications
This section describes the key commands and haptic indications for various
events and actions. Also, details can be found in the form of a table, go to
Appendix A - System Commands and Indications at the end of this document.
7.1 Turning on the Orbit Writer
The Orbit Writer can be turned on by pressing Up Arrow + Down Arrow keys
together for one second. It responds with a single short pulse.
7.2 Turning off the Orbit Writer
The Orbit Writer can be turned off by pressing Up Arrow + Down Arrow keys
together for one second. It responds with a single long pulse.
7.3 Entering Firmware upgrade mode
For upgrading the Orbit Writer from PC, Connect the Orbit Writer to the PC using
the USB cable. Press and hold down the Up Arrow + Dot 5, then press Dot 8.
Release Dot 8 first, then release the Up Arrow + Dot 5.
7.4 Entering DFU/Boot mode
For upgrading the Bootloader of the Orbit Writer from PC, Connect the Orbit Writer
to the PC using the USB cable. Press and hold down the Up Arrow + Dot 6, then
press Dot 8. Release Dot 8 first, then release the Up Arrow + Dot 6.
7.5 System reset
Press Up Arrow + Dot 8 keys together to reset the Orbit Writer.
7.6 Inserting and removing the charger
When you receive the Orbit Writer, you should bring the battery to a full charge.
This is achieved by connecting the Orbit Writer to the charging cable, connecting
the other end of the cable to a USB charger, and plugging the charger into an
outlet. If these steps are accomplished, the Orbit Writer will produce a short
vibration, alerting you that it is now receiving power. If you then remove the
charging cable from the Orbit Writer, the Orbit Writer produces a vibration pulse to
indicate the battery charge level. To read about the battery level indication refer to
the section Check battery level.

Orbit Writer –User Guide Version 1.1
Orbit Research Confidential and Proprietary Information 10
7.7 Connecting and disconnecting from Screen reader
The Orbit Writer gives two short pulses when it connects to and disconnects from
any screen reader application.
7.8 Automatic turn off
The Orbit Writer turns itself off after being idle for the selected automatic power-off
timeout. It generates a long pulse when turning itself off. The power-off timeout
can be set to four different values by pressing Space + Left Arrow for one second.
Press and release Space + Left Arrow to check the currently selected value of the
power-off timeout. The Orbit Writer responds with the haptic indication which
matches the current level of the timeout. The following table shows the various
power-off timeout settings along with their vibration patterns.
Level
Power off time
Haptic Indication
1
5 Minutes
One short pulse
2
10 Minutes (Default)
Two short pulses
3
20 Minutes
Three short pulses
4
30 Minutes
Four short pulses
7.9 Selecting the Vibration intensity level
The vibration intensity level can be toggle among 3 options by pressing Space +
Right Arrow for one second. Press and release Space + Right Arrow to check the
currently selected level. The Orbit Writer responds with the haptic indication
according to the current level of the intensity. The following table captures the
available options. By default, level 2 (Medium intensity) is selected.
Level
Vibration intensity
Haptic Indication
1
Low
One short pulse
2
Medium (Default)
Two short pulses
3
High
Three short pulses
7.10 Check battery level
Press and hold Space + Up Arrow for one second to check the battery level. The
Orbit Writer responds with several short pulses as per the battery level.
•Level 1. Single short pulse if the battery capacity is less than 20%.
•Level 2. Two short pulses: if the battery capacity is between 20% and 40%.
•Level 3. Three short pulses: if the battery capacity is between 40% and 60%.
•Level 4. Four short pulses: if the battery capacity is between 60% and 80%.
•Level 5. One long pulse: if the battery capacity is greater than 80%.
7.11 Low battery indications
The Orbit Writer gives three short pulses every 3 minutes if it detects the battery
capacity low in the range between 1% and 20%.