Orbit 20 User manual

Extracts from Orbit-Reader-20-User-Guide-V1.8 1
Orbit Reader 20 Quick Start Guide
1. Introduction
The Orbit Reader 20 is a portable, refreshable braille display and stand-alone reader with the
following features:
A line of 20 braille cells with pins that can be transformed to accurately represent any six- or
eight-dot braille code, in any language, and for any discipline
Reads the content of files on an SD™ (Secure Digital) card for Stand-Alone Mode
Remote connectivity to PCs and mobile devices for use with a screen reader
Simple editing functions
2. How the Orbit Reader 20 Is Used
2.1. Stand-Alone Mode
In Stand-Alone mode, the Orbit Reader 20 displays the contents of files stored on an SD card. Here,
there are no translations or interpretations involved. You prepare the files on your computer, and
then store them on the SD card. For example, if you want to read in Unified English Braille (UEB),
prepare the UEB transcribed title on your computer and then store it on the card.
2.2. Remote Mode
Connect the device to a computer or portable device with a screen reader and then do one of the
following:
Read commercially available titles on Kindle™, Adobe® Digital Editions, or iBooks®
application programs.
Employ any accessible technology for browsing, utilities, and education. The screen reader
translates text into braille code of choice.
3. Translate Braille
BrailleBlaster™ is a full-featured transcription software package for creating quality
formatted braille.
Duxbury Braille Translator (DBT) can produce contracted and uncontracted braille,
mathematics braille, and technical braille in all South African languages.
4. Features
Orbit Reader 20 has the following features:
20 refreshable eight-dot braille cells
Eight Braille Input keys and Space bar
Navigation pad with four directional buttons (Up, Down, Left, Right) and the Select button
Micro-B USB charging port
SD card slot
2 Panning rocker keys

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5. Orientation
To begin with, place the device on a flat surface in front of you with the row of braille cells closest to
you. This is the proper operational orientation.
At the back of the device, from left to right, is the Power button (left), an SD card slot (middle), and a
Micro-B USB port (right).
5.1. Key Placement and Use
The Panning keys are at each end of the braille display.
For orientation purposes, there are three slightly raised tick marks located above the braille cells.
These orientation marks are spaced by every fifth braille cell.
Moving towards the top and away from you, find a row of three keys, with a wider key- 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.
Above the three keys, is a navigation pad in the middle, between the Braille Input keys and Space
bar. The navigation pad contains 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.
In Stand-Alone mode, the Braille Input keys are used for navigation and editing/writing. In Remote
mode, while using the display with a screen reader on a host device, like an iPhone, the Braille Input
keys can be used to input text or control functionality of applications.
5.2. Panning Keys
The Panning keys are two-function rocker keys found at either end of the braille display. To read the
next display of text (panning forward), press the bottom part of the key (down) on either Panning
key. To read the previous display of text (panning backward), press the top part of the key (up) on
either Panning key.
5.3. 8-Dot Braille Cells
It is similar to six-dot braille with two additional dots below Dot 3 and Dot 6. These two additional
dots are called Dot 7 and Dot 8, and they are used to indicate capitalization in the Computer Braille
Code (Computer Braille) or to indicate some attributed text or a cursor.
Eight-dot Computer Braille is similar to uncontracted braille, except that it features a one-to-one
correspondence with the plain text (ASCII) characters. Computer Braille does not require an
additional cell to show a capitalization indicator. Instead, Dot 7 is added to the lowercase version of
the letter.
6. Getting Started
The Orbit Reader 20 has two modes: Stand-Alone mode and Remote mode. In Stand-Alone mode,
the device is a book reader that uses an SD card as reading media. In Remote mode, the device
works like other braille display and needs to be connected to a computer or other host with a screen
reader.

Extracts from Orbit-Reader-20-User-Guide-V1.8 3
6.1. Charging the Device
To charge the device, use the Standard-A to Micro-B USB cable and the power plug provided with
the unit. Insert the small end of the cable into the Orbit Reader 20's USB port with the bumps facing
down. Now insert the large end of the cable into a computer USB connector or the AC adapter
provided.
6.2. Power On and Off
To power on the device, press and hold the Power button for 2 seconds. When you turn the device
on, Orbit Reader 20 resumes from the place you left. If you are using the device or inserting the SD
card for the first time, Orbit Reader 20 shows the first file or folder name on the SD card.
To turn off the device, press and hold the Power button for 2 seconds. The Orbit Reader 20 has a
low-power standby/sleep mode. Quickly tapping the Power button puts the unit in sleep mode.
Tapping the Power button while the device is in sleep mode, wakes the device.
6.3. Inserting the SD Card
To insert the SD card, find the large slot at the back. Position the SD card with the teeth facing down.
Now insert the short side with teeth into the device. The card slot works like a toaster, gently push
the SD card in until you hear a click.
To remove the card, press it ‘in’ a little until it pops out and then gently remove it.
6.4. About Menus and File Names
Orbit Reader 20 shows internal menus and file names in eight-dot Computer Braille.
6.5. Entering and Exiting Menus
Open the menu: Press Select + Up Arrow
Exit the menu: Press Dot 7
Move through the menu choices: Press the Up or Down Arrows
See choices within a menu option: Use the Right and Left Arrows
Select a menu item: Press Select
6.6. Device Operational Modes
Stand-Alone mode is the default operational mode and allows you to read, edit, and browse files
without being connected to another device. An SD card must be inserted in the Orbit Reader 20
while operating in Stand-Alone mode.
Remote mode allows you to connect the Orbit Reader 20 to iPhone®, iPad®, and Android™ mobile
devices, as well as desktop computers. In Remote mode, Orbit Reader 20 acts as an input and output
device for the remotely connected host via USB or Bluetooth.
To move back and forth between Stand-Alone and Remote modes, use the following commands:
To switch to Remote mode: press Select + Right Arrow
To switch to Stand-Alone mode: press Select + Left Arrow

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7. The Menu
Orbit Reader 20 provides a menu for setting options, checking battery, and changing modes of
operation. To open the menu, press Select + Up Arrow. Battery Status is the first menu option
displayed. To move to another menu item, press the Up or Down Arrow.
Some menu item lets you select among a number of choices. The selected option is underlined with
Dots 7 8. To scroll through the other possibilities, press the Right Arrow key. To select the option,
press Select. To close the menu and return to your work, press Dot 7.
8. Stand-Alone Mode
Stand-Alone mode is the default operational mode and allows you to read, edit, and browse files
without being connected to another device. Stand-Alone mode operates in the following ways:
File Manager
Menu
Reader
Editor
9. File Manager
File Manager is where you select a file stored on the SD card to read on the Orbit Reader 20. You can
also create new files and folders, view the properties (such as the file size and current reading
position), and copy, rename, and delete files. When moving through the list of files, Orbit Reader 20
shows the first 20 characters of the file name. You may scroll to the rest of the information about
the file, such as the rest of a long file name, its size, and date, by using the panning keys to move the
display window.
9.1. File Manager Commands
Move to Previous or Next folder/file: Up or Down Arrow
Moves focus back one level: Dot 7
Open current file/folder: Dot 8
Move to first or last file: Space + Dots 1 2 3 or Space + Dots 4 5 6
Edit current file: Space + E
Create New file: Space + N
Delete file: Space + D
Rename File: Space + R
9.2. File Types
Orbit Reader 20 does not translate or interpret any file. It simply displays the contents of a file in
braille. So, if you put a plain text file onto the SD card, Orbit Reader 20 displays that file as it was
written. Similarly, if you put a BRF file on the SD card, no matter the language or code, Orbit Reader
20 accurately shows its contents. To use Word or PDF files, you must first translate them on a
computer, and then send the translated file to the SD card.

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9.3. Preparing Files
To prepare files for placement on the Orbit Reader 20, follow these guidelines:
Determine the translation type.
Translate the file.
Place the file onto the SD card or use the Mass Storage protocol to copy from your desktop
computer.
To copy files to the SD card, remove card from the Orbit Reader 20 and place it into a card reader on
your computer. Alternatively, you can connect the USB cable from the Orbit Reader 20 to your
computer and activate the Mass Storage protocol on Orbit Reader 20 by pressing Space + Dots 5 7.
When using the Mass Storage protocol, Orbit Reader 20 shows up as a drive on the computer.
10. The Reader
When first powered on, the Orbit Reader 20 displays the contents of the first file on the SD card. To
get to the file list, press Dot 7. Go to the desired file using Up or Down Arrow key. Press Dot 8 or
Select to open the file. Use Left and Right Panning keys to read it. There are many other functions in
reading mode such as Find, Power Move, Bookmarks, and more.
When you turn the device on, Orbit Reader 20 resumes from the last place of the last file in use.
When you reach the end of a file, "-- End of file" is displayed by the Reader. Similarly, if you are at
the beginning of the file, "-- Start of file" is displayed.
10.1. Reader Commands
Go to Previous or Next display: Panning keys
Go to Previous or Next Character: Space + Dot 3 or Space + Dot 6
Go to Previous or Next Word: Space + Dot 2 or Space + Dot 5
Go to Previous or Next Paragraph: Space + Dot 1 or Space + Dot 4
Go to Top or Bottom of a file: Space + Dots 1 2 3 or Space + Dots 4 5 6
Switch to last edited file: Space + Dots 1 2 4 6
11. The Editor
Orbit Reader 20 offers the ability to write and edit text. This feature allows you to create/edit new or
existing files on the SD card. While you are in the Editor mode, the cursor notes the current position
by blinking Dots 7 8. There are three ways to edit a file:
Edit new file: Space + N
Edit current file: Space + E
Switch to last edited file: Space + Dots 1 2 4 6
To insert text, type or paste the text at the cursor. You can insert any text into an open file using the
braille keys (Dot 1 to Dot 8).
To exit Editor, press Select, E. The cursor disappears, returning you to the Reader in the file you were
editing. If you are exiting a new file, the editor automatically names the file with the first 20
characters in the file. If you wish to rename the file, use the rename command (Space + R) in File
Manager.

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11.1. Editor Commands
Go to Previous or Next display: Panning keys
Go to Previous or Next Character: Left or Right Arrow
Go to Previous or Next Word: Space + Left or Right Arrow
Go to Previous or Next Paragraph: Up or Down Arrow
Go to Top or Bottom of a file: Long press Up or Down Arrow
Backspace: Dot 7
Enter: Dot 8
Save current work: Select, S
Exit Editor: Select, E
12. Remote Mode
In addition to using Orbit Reader 20 as a portable reading tool and editor, it connects with host
devices (i.e., computers, phones, and tablets) to provide braille input and output to that device. The
host device must be running software that supports braille. When you use Orbit Reader 20 as a
display for other hosts, the screen reader on that host device provides translation and other braille
settings.
12.1. Before you Connect
Before you connect Orbit Reader 20 to a host, it is important to set the device so that the screen
reader(s) you use, recognize it. Newer versions of screen readers recognize the Orbit Reader 20.
If you have an earlier version of screen reader, or one that does not support Orbit Reader 20, you
must set Orbit Reader 20 to emulate Refreshabraille 18 (only the first 18 braille cells are used).
12.2. Using the Bluetooth Connection
Bluetooth is a technology that wirelessly connects devices, such as the Orbit Reader 20, to host
devices, such as phones, tablets, and computers. In order to activate Bluetooth, you must perform
the one-time procedure of pairing Orbit with the host device. It is possible to pair Orbit Reader 20
with more than one device.
12.3. USB
Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a technology that makes connecting devices with hosts easy. It provides
some advantages over Bluetooth, because it is both faster and charges Orbit Reader 20
simultaneously.
Human Interface Device (HID) - When using Orbit Reader 20 with a screen reader that supports HID,
follow these steps:
1. Turn on Orbit Reader 20. Orbit reader 20 displays the last braille you were reading.
2. Connect the USB cable to the host and to the Orbit Reader 20. "—Charger connected" is
displayed.
3. On the Orbit Reader 20, press Space + Dots 2 7. "-- Remote HID mode" is displayed.
4. Start the screen reader. Orbit responds by displaying what the screen reader is showing.

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Serial - When using a screen reader that only supports Serial protocol, follow these steps:
1. Turn on Orbit Reader 20. It displays the last read material.
2. Connect the USB cable. "-- Charger connected" is displayed.
3. On Orbit Reader 20, press Space + Dots 3 7. "-- Remote Serial mode" is displayed.
4. Install any necessary drivers.
5. Configure the screen reader.
Mass Storage - To use an SD card inserted in the Orbit Reader 20 as a drive on your computer, follow
these steps:
1. Turn on Orbit Reader 20. It responds with braille from your last activity.
2. Connect Orbit Reader 20 with your computer using USB cable. "—Charger connected" is
displayed.
3. On the Orbit Reader 20, press Space + Dots 5 7. "-- Mass Storage mode" is displayed.
4. Use your PC to read and write files on the new drive.
13. Key Lock Command
The Key Lock command prevents accidental key presses. The command is to hold Dots 7 8 for two
seconds or more. Pressing and holding these same keys again, unlocks the keys. You can also unlock
the keys by turning the device off and then on again.
14. Reboot the Device
If the Orbit Reader 20 suddenly does not respond to button presses, and you know that the battery
is not fully discharged, then you may try rebooting the device by pressing the lower Right Panning
key + Dot 8. There is no indication of the reset event. The unit is in power off condition after reset
and needs to be powered on before it can be used.
Refer to the Orbit-Reader-20-User-Guide-V1.8 for all details and features of the device.