Thank you for purchasing a Text2Speech hardware device, which converts
any text written on NEO 1 or NEO 2 into spoken words. Make sure you have
received a Text2Speech device with two AA batteries installed and
headphones.
Note: The Text2Speech device requires NEO to have System 3.8 or higher,
AlphaWord Plus version 3.3 or higher, and the Text2Speech Updater. Use
AlphaSmart Manager 3.3 or higher to update your NEO if necessary.
How to Start Using Text2Speech with NEO
1. Turn on the Text2Speech device by
sliding the switch Ato the right.
2. Connect the headphones or your own
speakers to the jack B. Speakers may
affect battery life.
3. Put the Text2Speech
device within 3 feet of
the NEO, with the
Text2Speech IR port C
facing the NEO IR port.
4. Turn on your NEO.
When AlphaWord Plus
starts, press a file key to choose where you want to type text.
5. Press ctrl-J on the NEO to see the Text2Speech settings.
6. Move the cursor next to Turn Text2Speech ON. Press enter.
7. Press esc.
8. Begin typing. The text will be read aloud by the device, and each word will
be highlighted as it’s spoken. Your Text2Speech settings determine when
and how text is read. You can also choose text to be read by selecting it
and pressing ctrl-M. If you use spell check or the thesaurus, the device
will also read options on those screens.
9. To stop using the device, press ctrl-J again. Make sure the cursor is next
to Turn Text2Speech OFF, and press enter. Then, press esc to leave the
options. Turn off the Text2Speech device to avoid draining the batteries.
Changing the Text2Speech Settings
1. In AlphaWord Plus on your NEO, press ctrl-J.
2. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor next to a setting you want to
change; then, press enter.
3. In the table on the next page, find the setting you want to change and
follow the instructions. Press esc to go back to your file.
Replacing the Text2Speech Batteries
1. On the bottom of the device, remove the Phillips
screw Ain the battery compartment cover.
2. Press the arrow Band slide the cover off.
3. Remove the batteries.
4. Insert two new AA batteries, making sure that the +
and – ends match the labels in the compartment.
5. Put the compartment cover back on the device and
re-insert the screw.
Updating the Text2Speech Device
1. Turn on the Text2Speech device.
2. Put the device within 3 feet of the NEO, with the Text2Speech window
facing the NEO IR port.
3. On the NEO, press applets.
4. Use the NEO arrow keys to move the cursor next to Control Panel; then,
press enter.
5. Move the cursor next to Update Text2Speech device. Press enter.
6. NEO will show the update progress and notify you when it is complete.
Setting Name How to Change Options
Turn
Text2Speech
ON or OFF
Move the cursor next to this
setting and press enter to
switch between ON and OFF.
• ON (NEO is transmitting to
Text2Speech)
• OFF (NEO is not transmitting)
Change
system voice
Press the number for the voice
you prefer. Press a key to exit.
• 1 (Male—default)
• 2 (Female)
Read back
options
Use the arrow keys to move the
cursor next to a setting and
press the spacebar or enter to
add or remove an X. An X
means the option is selected.
When you’ve finished, press
esc.
• Every letter (letters read as typed)
• Every word (each word is read
after a space, punctuation,
parenthesis, or bracket)
• Every sentence (each sentence is
read after a period, ?, or !)
• Every paragraph (each paragraph
is read after you press enter)
Set voice
speed
Press to increase the speed
or to decrease it. Then, press
esc to exit.
•Fast
• Normal (default)
•Slow
Set volume Press to increase the volume
or to decrease it. Press esc.
• 1 (quietest) to 8 (loudest)
4 is the default
