Hi folks, In light of our celebration with the release of KeySoft 8.0.20, I would like to announce the long-awaited answer to the question that was in our minds for some time now. Here it is:
Question: Is it possible to use BrailleNote as a Bluetooth Braille display under Windows vista? And the answer is. Answer: Yes, with one condition. I am currently using my Toshiba notebook with Windows Vista Ultimate (slated for upgrade to Windows 7 Pro next year), Toshiba Nano Bluetooth USB adapter and my BrailleNote mPower running KeySoft 8.0 Build 20 to write this message. I am using a USB keyboard to type, whyile I am reading the content of my message on my BrailleNote (with JAWS 10.0 on my computer). The condition that I have specified was that you cannot use Vista's own Bluetooth stack. This is because it assigns separate Bluetooth com port for incoming and outgoing. While BrailleNote can connect to a PC via PC's incoming port, you cannot connect a BrailleNote via outgoing port, which is needed when using Bluetooth display mode. To overcome this shortcoming, one must use third-party Bluetooth stack, such as provided by Toshiba (in my case), Witcom and so forth, just like XP days. The brocedures are as follows: You'll need: A Vista computer with either an internal Bluetooth transceiver or an external USB Bluetooth adapter. A BrailleNote running KeySoft 7.0 or higher (to use Bluetooth display; dorrect me if I'm wrong). Any version of JAWS (at least 9.0). A Bluetooth stack, such as Toshiba Bluetooth Stack or Witcom Bluetooth drivers. On your PC: 1. Install the Bluetooth stack and Bluetooth adapter. If your computer already has Bluetooth built-in, skip this. 2. Check the documentation that came with your stack to see which com port is set up as "Serial Port." On Toshiba's case, it is Com7. Now, on your screen reader: Select BrailleNote as a Braille display, and choose the Bluetooth com port that you've noted down as connection port. Note: If you want to type text from your BrailleNote, use "BrailleNote with Keyboard Input" under Window-Eyes or install JAWS Keyboard Emulator. To connect your BrailleNote: 1. From Main Menu, go to options/Connectivity/Bluetooth. When the prompt appears, press Y to activate Bluetooth. 2. At the Search for Devices prompt, press Y to search for your computer. 3. When device list appears, select your computer, then choose ActiveSync service and pair your BN and your PC. Note: I strongly recommend putting a pascode (or authentication code under some documentation). 4. Now, go to Main Menu/Terminal, then choose Bluetooth as connection method. At this point, restart your screen reader. Now, your BrailleNote should display the contents of your Vista screen. Hope this helps. Cheers, Joseph P.S. If you want me to produce a podcast version of this, let me know (but I would not be able to produce it until September.). ___ Replies to this message will go directly to the sender. If your reply would be useful to the list, please send a copy to the list as well. To leave the BrailleNote list, send a blank message to [email protected] To view the list archives or change your preferences, visit http://list.humanware.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote
