[misc.handicap] access technology

Eric.Bohlman@p1.f778.n115.z1.fidonet.org (Eric Bohlman) (07/27/90)

Index Number: 9563

 DA> The ideal single switch access system would be:
 DA> A standard computer so cost is low and maitanence is straightforward.
 DA> IBM compatible so the software could be developed on an IBM and ported
 DA> without modification.
 DA> About the size of an Atari Portfolio but with larger text and a clearer
 DA> screen.
 DA> 
 DA> Built-in RS232 to drive the second computer.
 DA> ++++++
 DA> The Atari Portfolio comes close but is a little too small, has a lousey
 DA> screen and the RS232 is an extra.
 DA> The other item lacking is a small, portable, low cost speech system 
 DA> which produces clear, good quality speech.
 DA> With recent developments in both areas I hope we will see these specs met
 DA> in the near future. Perhaps PORTFOLIO II and a portable ECHO that does 
 DA> not require an expansion slot.

TASH out of Canada developed a keyboard emulator based on a VIC-20.  I think  
they have IBM compatibles among the supported systems.

There are plenty of serial-port synthesizers around; some Echo models and the  
Audapter are fairly portable (If you have access to the Blinktalk echo, make  
inquiries about synthesizers there).

I really think a keyboard emulator should have a CRT display rather than an  
LCD.  The viewing angles for LCDs are just too critical, especially for a user  
who may not be able to adjust the position easily.
 

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Dennis.Asher@p0.f626.n690.z3.fidonet.org (Dennis Asher) (08/09/90)

Index Number: 9626

DJATASH out of Canada developed a keyboard emulator based on a
DJAVIC-20.

I think that system is no longer available due to the demise of the
VIC 20. It was never updated to the C64. I have looked at the
possibility of doing that but it is not worth it. I am more
interested in a portable system which would drive a laptop.

DJAThere are plenty of serial-port synthesizers around; some Echo
DJAmodels and the Audapter are fairly portable (If you have access
DJAto the Blinktalk echo, make inquiries about synthesizers there).

I haven't access to TalkBlink yet but I am trying to find out if
it comes into Autralia. There are a lot of other very interesting
support group echos which would be useful here too.

DJAI really think a keyboard emulator should have a CRT display
DJArather than an LCD.

I agree, but for a portable the CRT is not viable. If only alpha-numeric
characters are required then perhaps a small display system driven by
the host PC would be possible.

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