hmmm. mine must be a top of the line model. It's a Braille Sense U2 40 cell model. retails for $5,995. I am still paying on a 72 month contract to own it. I am about halfway through it, so I have a while to go. Honestly, I don't see how these things should cost this much. Seriously, the cost per cell to actually manufacture a cell is $0.15 (I know, I checked and it took a lot of digging to find that). Mostly, a lions share of the cost is probably the per unit license for windows CE. still, with an alternative CPU and some other goodies (as well as an open source OS), the unit could be made for far cheaper and be more powerful and a better quality.
ANyway, this is a bit off the ham radio thing.
DE n7zzt Eric
On Jan 9, 2016, at 11:45 AM, Jose Tamayo wrote:
> A braille display, while ideal and very important, is beyond the reach of
> many folks who need it / want it. I think the last time I checked, a
> Braille display was priced at around $200 per refreshable cell. I may be
> off since I recently heard a friend of mine purchased a Braille NSpeak for
> around $2000.
>
>
> MY BrailleNote was a Humanware BrailleNote MPower BT 32 and it was
> spectacular but the price tag was very high. Not affordable for all in Ham
> radio.
>
>
> So, indeed the braille display would be helpful but it would also depend
> on the software accessibility. For example, if the Screen reader can't read
> the software interface, then a braille display would be useless, or perhaps
> we were discussing another topic and I am completely off.
> Smiles
> Jose Tamayo
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of Tom Behler
> Sent: Friday, January 8, 2016 2:37 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Accessibility of Ten Tec radios
>
> Jim:
>
> I hear you. ... Braille access to ham rigs is great, and I truly applaud
> you for all your efforts with the J J software, which is on my list of
> things to try just as soon as possible.
>
> But what about those who don't have access to, or cannot afford a Braille
> display?
>
> Perhaps I'm missing your point, so please feel free to correct any errors in
> my thinking here.
>
> Just trying to have an open discussion.
>
> Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of Jim Shaffer
> Sent: Friday, January 08, 2016 1:55 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Accessibility of Ten Tec radios
>
> Ron, good point.
>
> However, I consider audio access to a radio as minimal accessibility.
> Imagine a car where, in order to drive it, you had to take your eyes off the
> road. I've become convinced that braille provides the only true access to
> ham rigs.
> --
> Jim, KE5AL
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dr. Ronald E. Milliman
> Sent: Friday, January 08, 2016 11:21 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Accessibility of Ten Tec radios
>
> Jim and others here on the list, please accept my comments in the positive
> manner in which they are intended. First, I certainly applaud the actions
> Mike and Jim have taken. Too many times we only complain but do little to
> solve our own problems.
>
> However, we need to communicate to Mike Dishop and John, the Ten Tec
> developer, that Jim's software approach is only one solution and in the
> longer run, we need a solution built into the Ten Tec line of transceivers
> that is completely independent of Jim's software. We need to be able to
> purchase Ten Tec rigs that are accessible right out of the box just like
> they are for sighted hams, much like the Kenwood line of transceivers.
>
> Ron, K8HSY
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of Jim Shaffer
> Sent: Friday, January 08, 2016 10:08 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Accessibility of Ten Tec radios
>
> Here's a note I sent to the Ten Tec developer in response to his query...
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jim Shaffer
> Sent: Friday, January 08, 2016 10:03 AM
> Subject: Re: Accessibility of Ten Tec radios
>
> John, in addition to VFO, Frequency and mode, blind hams need readings such
> as s-meter, SWR, AGC on/off and level, noise blanker on/off and level, noise
> reduction on/off and level, VOX/breakin settings, mic and speech processor
> settings, ALC, and anything that might effect operations. For example, the
> TS-590 has a feature to drive an amp with minimal power from the radio. If
> accidentally set, the rig basically doesn't transmit. It is nice to know
> the receive filter settings, but these are generally set by ear anyway. I
> would say that the ability to control the AF and RF gain is of minimal
> importance, at least where accessibility is concerned.
>
> Also, for many radios, access to the memories and menus is often difficult,
> if possible at all. My software reports and sets memory values as well as
> providing text for the menu settings.
>
> Also, I need to be able to provide support for reasonably priced rigs.
> Unfortunately, many blind folks are on limited budgets.
>
> hth, and thanks again.
> --
> Jim Shaffer, KE5AL
>
>
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