ViewPlus VP EmBraille User manual

VP EmBraille User Manual
Revision: 20200803

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Table of Contents
I. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 3
A. Preface .................................................................................................................................................. 3
B. Compliance Statements ........................................................................................................................ 4
C. Safety Instructions ................................................................................................................................ 6
II. General Information ................................................................................................................................. 7
A. Specifications ........................................................................................................................................ 7
B. System Compatibility ............................................................................................................................ 7
III. Printer Setup ............................................................................................................................................ 8
A. Unpacking ............................................................................................................................................. 8
B. Hardware setup .................................................................................................................................... 9
C. Driver Installation ............................................................................................................................... 11
C.1 Windows Printer Driver and Device Removal ............................................................................... 13
IV. Printer Properties .................................................................................................................................. 13
A. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 13
B. Printer Properties ............................................................................................................................... 14
B.1 Device settings tab ........................................................................................................................ 14
B.2 Service tab ..................................................................................................................................... 19
C. Printing Preferences ........................................................................................................................... 21
C.1 Layout tab ..................................................................................................................................... 22
C.2 Paper/Media tab ........................................................................................................................... 22
C.3 Tiger tab ........................................................................................................................................ 26
V. Operator Panel ........................................................................................................................................ 28
A. Functions............................................................................................................................................. 28
B. Status Lights and Alerts ....................................................................................................................... 29
VI. Paper Handling ....................................................................................................................................... 30
A. Single Sheet and Tractor feed handling .............................................................................................. 30
B. Continuous Paper Placement ............................................................................................................. 33
C. Paper Jams .......................................................................................................................................... 33
VII. Braille, Translation and Printing ........................................................................................................... 34
A. ViewPlus Tiger Software Suite ............................................................................................................ 34
B. Fonts ................................................................................................................................................... 35

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C. Math and Braille .................................................................................................................................. 35
D. Printing ............................................................................................................................................... 35
VIII. Software Packages ............................................................................................................................... 36
A. Software Packages .............................................................................................................................. 36
IX. Training, Warranty, Maintenance and Support ..................................................................................... 37
A. Training ............................................................................................................................................... 37
B. Maintenance ....................................................................................................................................... 37
C. Support ............................................................................................................................................... 37
D. Warranty ............................................................................................................................................. 38

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I. Introduction
A. Preface
ViewPlus EmBraille
User's Manual
Congratulations on owning a ViewPlus EmBraille Embosser, the world's only lightweight and compact
desktop embosser. This manual will introduce you to basic information regarding your new equipment.
The ViewPlus web site is another resource for information on your EmBraille Embosser including
examples, tutorials and other useful downloads.
Your EmBraille is Powered by Tiger. This means you receive:
Windows Printer Driver: Connects ViewPlus printers and embossers to the power of Windows,
embossing and networking just like a mainstream printer.
Tiger Software Suite: Powerful addition to Windows adds braille and tactile graphic functionality
to MS Office.
ViewPlus embossers use the standard Windows printer driver to mix text and graphics in mainstream
Windows software like Word and Excel. Use the computer to adjust settings and preferences. Print
documents exactly how they appear on the screen.
Use the Tiger Software Suite to take braille translation and tactile graphics to a new level. Tiger add-in to
Microsoft Office gives you advanced tools for translation and embossing. Tiger Designer enables basic
editing of documents for quick drawing and braille needs. Translator serves as a basic translation tool for
almost any Windows software- including PowerPoint and Corel Draw.
Keep up to date by checking the ViewPlus Technologies, Inc. webpage at:
http://www.ViewPlus.com
VP EmBraille Model Number:
VPTT1702-00 (120V)
VPTT1702-01 (240V)

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B. Compliance Statements
FCC Compliance Statement (USA)
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. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation. 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 receiver.
 Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
 Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Warning: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Note the following:
 The use of a non-shielded interface cable with the referenced device is prohibited.
 The length of the power cord must be 3 meters (10 feet) or less.
This unit is also intended for connection to IT distribution systems.
Compliance Statement (Canada)
This digital apparatus is in conformity with standard ICES-003 of Canada.
Cet appareil numérique est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Compliance Statement (Germany)
Bescheinigung des Herstellers/Importeurs: Hiermit wird bescheinigt, dass der Drucker der
Maschinenlärminformationsverordnung 3. GSGV, 18.01.1991 entspricht: Der höchste Schalldruckpegel
beträgt 70 dB(A) oder weniger gemäß EN27779-1991.
Compliance Statement (Europe)
Warning: This product meets the interference requirements of EN 55032. In a domestic environment,
this product may cause radio interference in which case, the user may be required to take adequate
measures.

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Compliance Statement (Korea)
This apparatus complies with CISPR32 requirements.
International Compliance
EN55022:2006 (Amended by A1:2007) Class A
Emissions series
EN55024:1998 (Amended by A1:2001 and A2:2003)
Immunity characteristics
EN61000
-
3
-
2:2006 (Amended by A1:2009 and
A2:2009)
Power line harmonics
EN61000
-
3
-
3:2008
Power
line flicker
EN61000
-
4
-
2:2008
Electrostatic discharge
EN61000
-
4
-
3:2010
Radiated susceptibility
EN61000
-
4
-
4:2004 (Amended by A1:2010)
Electrical fast transient/burst
EN61000
-
4
-
5:2005
Surge
EN61000
-
4
-
6:2008
Conducted immunity
EN61000
-
4
-
8:20
09
Magnetic Field Immunity
EN61000
-
4
-
11:2004
Input voltage interruptions/DIPS
CE MDD
Authorized European Representative
ViewPlus GmbH
Kolpingweg 15
49492 Westerkappeln
Germany
[phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Compliance
ViewPlus GmbH complies with EU Directive 2002/96 regarding WEEE recycling; upon the conclusion of
the product lifecycle, please contact ViewPlus GmbH concerning proper disposal.

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C. Safety Instructions
Read all of these safety instructions before using the EmBraille Desktop Embosser. In addition, follow all
warnings and instructions marked on the EmBraille itself.
Keep this Operator’s Manual in a place which is easily accessible at all times.
 Ensure that there is adequate ventilation around the unit.
 Do not place unit near a radiator or heat source.
 Keep unit out of direct sunlight.
 Make sure that the embosser and computer are switched off before connecting the data cable.
 The print head will become very hot during printing; avoid contact with the print head after
printing has finished.
 Do not block or cover slots and openings in the unit's case; do not insert objects through slots.
 Use only the type of power source indicated on the unit's labels. There are different models of
EmBraille for 120V type power source and 240V type power source.
 Connect all equipment to properly grounded electrical outlets.
 Do not use frayed or damaged power cords. After connecting power cords, ensure that they are
not twisted, knotted or pinched before using the unit.
 Do not use an extension cord with the unit.
 If using a surge protector, ensure that the total current rating of all connected equipment does
not exceed the maximum rating of the surge protector or wall outlet.
 Unplug the unit before cleaning it; always clean it with a piece of damp cloth only.
 Do not spill liquid into the unit.
 Detach the unit from power source and refer to qualified service personnel under the following
conditions:
o If the power cord or plug is damaged.
o If liquid has entered the unit.
o If the unit has been dropped or tipped over or if the case is damaged.
o If the unit does not operate properly or exhibits a distinct change in performance.
o If the unit becomes extremely hot, or if smoke, unusual smells or abnormal noises are emitted
from the printer.
 Except as specifically explained in the user's manual, do not attempt to service the unit.
 Only adjust those controls that are covered in the user's manual.
 Keep hair, jewelry and clothing clear of moving parts in the printer and embosser.
 When clearing paper jams or performing routine cleaning of parts as directed in this manual, use
caution to prevent touching the printer's fuser unit or the embosser's motors, as these parts can
be hot and contact may cause injury.

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II. General Information
A. Specifications
VP
EmBraille
Print speed
Up to 25 CPS
Printing mode
Single sided
Tactile resolution
17 DPI
Tactile Graphics Dot Heights
Variable for color representation
Braille Dot Heights
Adjustable in 3 heights
Paper Width
3
–
8.5 inch (77
–
216 mm), Form size letter, or A4
Paper
Continuous, Single Sheet Feeder
Paper Weight
30
–
108 lb
(50
–
175 gsm)
Connection
USB
2.0
(
B type connector
)
Compatibility
Windows 7, 8
, 8.1, 10
Height
Width
Depth
Weight
6.25 inch (159 mm)
14.13 inch (359 mm)
11.20 inch (285 mm)
11 lbs (5 kg)
Operating
Temperature
41
to
95
°F (
5
to
35
°C)
Storage Temperature
°F (
-
20 to 55 °C)
Humidity
20 to 80% RH (non condensing)
Energy Supply
 AC Input: 110-120V~, 50/60Hz, 2A. DC Output: 5VDC/1A,
38VDC/2A
 AC Input: 200-240V~, 50/60Hz, 2A. DC Output: 38VDC/2A
Standby
< 4 W
Heavy embossing
< 85 W
Lifetime
10,000 pages
B. System Compatibility
The Windows driver for EmBraille is compatible with operating systems from Windows 7 to current
Windows versions, both 32- and 64-bit systems.
A Mac OS 10.9 printer driver is also available for the ViewPlus EmBraille embosser.

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III. Printer Setup
A. Unpacking
o Place your packaged embosser on a solid base.
o Make sure the box is placed with the correct side up.
o Open the box, lift the embosser out of the cardboard box and remove the remaining packaging
material and tapes.
o Open the embosser top covers and remove the cardboard shipping locks surrounding the print head.
- There are two cover pieces. Remove the side to side narrow piece at center top first. Putting some
pressure on the piece towards the right, at the same time pull the piece upward at right end. It
should snap off.
- The second piece comes of easier when trying to lift on both sides simultaneously where the half-
round, extruded edges are.

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o Check the embosser for any visible transport damage and missing items. If you find any transport
damage or if any accessories are missing, please contact your dealer.
o When unpacking a new unit the following items should be included:
 Embosser
 Paper feed knob
 Paper feed tray
 Power cord
 USB cable
 USB flash drive
 Installation Guide
o Install the paper feed knob at the right side of the machine if not already installed.
NOTE: SAVE THE PACKING MATERIAL AND BOX!
If any damage occurred during shipping, most shipping companies require the box and the packing
material in order to settle the insurance claim. The packing material must also be used to ship the
ViewPlus embosser for warranty maintenance service, or repair. If not existent anymore, new packaging
material has to be purchased before return of the embosser is authorized.
B. Hardware setup
Embosser components
Paper Guides: Adjusts positioning of single sheet paper.
Top Covers: Protect print head and other components inside, and reduce noise.
Operator Panel: Shows embosser status, and is used to control internal functions.
Paper Select Lever: Toggles between continuous tractor feed and single sheet paper feed.
Paper Feed Knob: Is used to manually drive the roller for vertical positioning of paper.
Power Switch: Powers embosser ON or OFF.
Tractors: Position and feed continuous tractor paper.
Power Receptacle: Input plug for the power cord to the embosser.
Interface: Provides connector for USB cable from the host computer to the embosser.

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Pictures above showing EmBraille hardware
Single Sheet feeder and cable attachment
 Make sure the paper feed knob is installed as already mentioned in section 'Unpacking' above.
 Install the single sheet feeder above the tractors. Address it from top down to round plastic pins
extruding from either inwards. If it doesn't slight down over the pins easy, push a little until it snaps
and holds itself without falling back.
Power Switch
Top Covers
Paper Tray
Paper Select Lever
Paper Feed Knob
Oper
ator Panel
Tractors
Interface
Power Receptacle
Paper Tray
Paper Guides
Paper Feed Knob

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 Check the embosser voltage: The EmBraille does not incorporate a universal power supply so please
confirm that the specified voltage of the embosser matches your country’s power supply voltage. To
do this, check the label at the back of the embosser. Contact your dealer if the setting is incorrect.
Never switch on the embosser if the voltage setting is incorrect; this may result in electrical damage
to the embosser.
 Make sure that the power switch located to the right side of the embosser, is in the “O” (off) position.
 Connect the power cord to the power inlet of the embosser. Connect the power cord plug to a wall
outlet socket. Make sure to connect EmBraille model VPTT1702-00 to 120V power outlet only, and
EmBraille model VPT1702-01 to 240V power outlet only.
 Before connecting the embosser to a computer it is recommended to power on once and see if it
initializes okay. If yes, load paper, turn back off, and then turn on again while holding down the
'Cancel' button until the print head moves. Now the embosser will print a test page, which serves as
a basic function test. This will assure basic functionality of the embosser before sending data from a
different source.
 Make sure the printer driver is installed before connecting the embosser to the computer via USB
cable.
 Former version of EmBraille was also providing parallel and serial interface, but these interfaces are
no longer available with 2020 model of the embosser.
C. Driver Installation
A Windows printer driver is included with your EmBraille on USB flash drive, as well as the Tiger Software
Suite (TSS). Run 'Home.html' from USB if not starting automatically. Choose EmBraille embosser model on
first page to continue to corresponding setup instructions.
Do not connect your VP EmBraille to the computer during installation of the Windows printer driver, or
turn it off during this process. Run the driver setup from the USB, or download current EmBraille driver
from ViewPlus website, www.viewplus.com.
When running the printer driver executable, at first you will be asked to allow changes to your computer.
Please confirm with 'Yes'.
The first EmBraille driver installation dialog will allow you to choose the desired language for user
interfaces.

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Shows Driver installation dialog
Choose your language and click 'Next'. Then follow further instructions from the installation program to
finish EmBraille driver installation.
After installation of the driver, connect the EmBraille to the computer and turn it on. The system should
automatically detect the printer and add it to Windows system settings panel under 'Devices' - 'Printers
& scanners'.
It is possible that it does not detect correctly at first try. In this case, please try again to connect to the
same or another USB port of your computer.
For installation of the Tiger Software Suite please also follow the instructions from the setup program. For
use of the Tiger Software Suite (TSS) please refer to the TSS manual.
After your VP EmBraille printer driver installed successfully, you may also install the ViewPlus Tiger
Software Suite. For installation, please follow the instructions from the setup program. For use of the Tiger
Software Suite (TSS) please refer to the TSS user manual.

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C.1 Windows Printer Driver and Device Removal
If you wish to remove the VP EmBraille printer driver application from your computer, you can either run
the printer driver setup program again, which will give you the option to remove the driver, or use
Windows uninstall option under system settings 'Apps & features'. A search for "EmBraille" will lead to
driver uninstall option.
Be aware that deleting the EmBraille device appearance under Windows system devices control panel will
not remove the printer driver installation from your computer, but just the instance of the device assigned
to a specific port.
Sometimes, Windows will automatically add instances of the same device under system settings 'Devices'
-> 'Printers & scanners', or control panel 'Devices and Printers' respectively, and all of the sudden, you
have Copy 1 or further available from your EmBraille printer. If this is not desired, and you have trouble
assigning your print jobs to the correct printer device name, please go ahead, unplug EmBraille and
remove all EmBraille printer devices under Windows system settings 'Devices' -> 'Printers & scanners', or
control panel 'Devices and Printers' respectively. Now plug EmBraille back into USB, and Windows should
automatically add one instance of the printer again, which will then be assigned to the correct port, too.
IV. Printer Properties
A. Introduction
The ViewPlus printer driver uses a standard Windows printer driver interface to provide user access to
settings and options of ViewPlus embosser from a local or networked computer. Printer properties are
accessible through Windows system settings 'Devices' -> 'Printers & scanners', or control panel 'Devices
and Printers' respectively. Select ViewPlus EmBraille in the list of printers and get to printer properties
through the context menu. Select 'Manage' and find printer properties on next page when accessing
through Windows system settings 'Devices' -> 'Printers & scanners', or use right mouse click context menu
when accessing through control panel 'Devices and printers'.
Printer properties contain general device settings such as for connectivity, sharing, and security, but also
ViewPlus specific settings for legacy mode operation and service procedures. Note, that these options are
only activated when your EmBraille device is locally connected through USB and switched on.
Always click the 'Apply' button to activate changes.

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B. Printer Properties
B.1 Device settings tab
The device settings are properties that are stored within the internal memory of the printer. Therefore
the printer needs to be locally connected through USB and turned on. To activate any changes, always
click 'Apply' button when done with settings. The printer will beep once to confirm the receiving of the
changed settings.
Shows Windows printer properties dialog - Device Setting

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 Form to Tray Assignment
The first section of the Device Settings tab controls 'Tray Assignment', allowing to assign a specific paper
form size to tractor, and manual paper feed path. This shows due to standard dialog from Windows, but
for ViewPlus EmBraille, this form to tray assignment is not being applied in any way. Please just ignore
this first section of device settings list.
 Legacy Settings
The second section of device settings list controls the embosser's legacy settings. These settings are used
when you print to EmBraille from programs that do not use Windows printer driver, which is usually the
case when printing from braille note takers. But even on a Windows computer there might be Braille
programs that do not pass data through Windows printer driver, but stream directly to the printer, for
example Duxbury DBT. In this case settings below will apply to resulting Braille output document.
Form Size – Select a standard page size, or select Custom to set the page size manually.
Form Width – This field shows the page width. For standard page sizes, this field is informational only. If
the Form Size is set to Custom, this field is editable.
Form Length – This field shows the page length. For standard page sizes, this field is informational only. If
the Form Size is set to Custom, this field is editable.
Top Margin – This top margin will be applied in addition to any margin information that might be send
with print job data. Braille programs often send top margin information in number of Braille lines. You
might want to try this top margin value set to 0.0 first, and increase as needed.
Left Margin – This left margin will be applied in addition to any margin information that might be send
with print job data. Braille programs often send left margin information in number of Braille characters.
You might want to try this left margin value set to 0.0 first, and increase as needed.
Right Margin – This right margin setting will be applied in addition to any margin information that might
be send with print job data. Right margin information from Braille programs is often defined indirectly by
number of Braille characters per line. This right margin setting might interfere with desired Braille line. If
seeing any problem, you might want to try this right margin value set to 0.0 first, and increase as needed.
Text/Graphics Mode – Select Text mode if your legacy document contains text. If the document is a
graphic, select Graphics mode to remove the space between Braille lines so that dots may be printed in
an even grid.
Dots Per Character – Select 6 or 8 dots.
Automatic Text Wrapping – Select 'On' if lines in the document exceed printable width on paper, and you
do not wish the lines to be truncated. If the document is formatted correctly for the page size and margins
you are using, or if you do not wish to have long lines wrapped to the next line, select 'Off'.
Extra Line Spacing – Set the amount of extra space desired between braille lines. Please note, that this
extra line spacing is added to any line spacing given by print data information from Braille program.

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Media Type – Media Type setting defines embosser punch force being applied to form tactile dots into
the paper (print media). The stronger the media, the higher the punch force needs to be to form readable
dots. A list of presets for certain media types is available, but a 'Custom' setting is also possible if the
presets will not yield satisfactory embossing results.
If custom media type is chosen from this item, than the next two list items will be applied for Custom
Media Lowest Force, and Custom Media Highest Force, which will define the minimum and maximum
punch force to be applied to lowest and highest tactile graphics dots. All other dot heights will be
extrapolated from these two numbers.
To know which lowest and highest force value will give good embossing results using your media, you can
go to Advanced options on Paper/Media tab of Windows Printing Preferences. See section C.2 below to
learn how to print the test for adding custom media type.
NOTE: THE MEDIA TYPE THAT YOU CHOOSE HERE WILL BE SAVED TO THE EMBOSSER INTERNAL
MEMORY, AND WILL REFER TO AS 'Printer Setting' WITHIN MEDIA TYPE SELECTION OF WINDOWS
PRINTING PREFERENCES (section C. below).
Shows Windows printer properties dialog - Device Setting

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Custom Media Lowest Force – Enter the punch force value to be used for the lowest dots on custom
media type. See also advanced option from Media tab of Windows Printing Preferences (see section C.2
below) for a test procedure to define best force values for your custom media.
Custom Media Highest Force – Enter the punch force value to be used for the highest dots on custom
media type. See also advanced option from Media tab of Windows Printing Preferences (see section C.2
below) for a test procedure to define best force values for your custom media.
Custom Braille Table… – The ViewPlus EmBraille has some Braille tables stored on-board, plus a custom
Braille table can be stored to the machine additionally. Click 'Properties' to open a dialog as shown in the
picture below.
Shows Braille Table Properties in Device Settings
The dialog offers two basic functions. The lower section offers a display for built-in braille tables that the
embosser provides, including the current custom table. Choose the Braille table name from the drop down
list and you will get the table displayed like illustrated in the picture above.
The second function of this dialog is provided through the button at the upper right. This will open a file
browser dialog to choose a custom braille table that will be written to the printer. The braille table that
was written to the printer last will be referred to as Custom table and stay on-board as custom table until
another file is written to the printer, taking the place of Custom table.

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The custom braille table can be chosen as file type *.bct, *.dis, or *.rbt. The file browser dialog will default
to the location of the Braille tables being used within Tiger Software Suite. Choose one of those tables, or
browse to the location of your own Braille table to be loaded to the embosser.
Shows Custom Braille Table file selection
Braille Table – From the drop down list, select which Braille table to use when printing. If the previously
loaded custom table should be used for text to braille conversion, select 'Custom Table' here.
Shows selection of active Braille Table

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Braille Dot Height – Select 'Low', 'Normal', or 'High' to control how tall braille text dots will be embossed.
Dot Quality – Select between 'Standard', and 'Best' dot quality.
B.2 Service tab
The Service tab of the printer properties dialog window provides information about the connected
ViewPlus EmBraille embosser at the bottom left. When contacting ViewPlus Support, please have the
driver version, printer serial number, and firmware version available.
Furthermore it provides several servicing functions for your VP EmBraille.
Shows Printer Properties Service Tab