🚀 go-pugleaf

                            THE BLIND NEWS DIGEST

                                 Issue # 911

                           Thursday, May 06, 1993

Today's Topics:


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                  Increasing the volume of a modem speaker
                                 Re: READIT
                               Type and speak
                            Swcp catalog on-line
                         Large print wordprocessors
                                   cd-rom
                           Re: KTS Braille Display
                                Smart Screens
                             Re: Bibles On Disk
                                  Inwsert R


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Subject: Increasing the volume of a modem speaker
From: David.Tanner@f234.n109.z1.fidonet.org (David Tanner)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:109/234 - Braille Bank BBS, Oakton Va


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

I am afraid the volume on the Toshiba 1000 can't be set very loud.
However, if your student hooks a headphone to the external jack
output on the back of the computer or an external speaker they
should find that they have plenty of volume.  The internal speaker
is the proplem on this unit.

    D. T.

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Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!109!234!David.Tanner
Internet: David.Tanner@f234.n109.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Re: READIT
From: David.Tanner@f234.n109.z1.fidonet.org (David Tanner)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:109/234 - Braille Bank BBS, Oakton Va


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

Yes, to get continuous reading of a file with readit hit the space
bar once. Hit it again to stop the reading.  To adjust the speed at
which the text scrolls type the f key several times to speed up the
speed of the scroll.

    D. T.

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Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!109!234!David.Tanner
Internet: David.Tanner@f234.n109.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Type and speak
From: David.Tanner@f234.n109.z1.fidonet.org (David Tanner)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:109/234 - Braille Bank BBS, Oakton Va


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

In a msg on <Apr 03 20:33>, Donald Roberts of 1:377/6 writes:

 DR> I would appreciate comments from anyone who either owns or has
 DR> extensively used the Type and Speak.  I am thinking about buying
 DR> either a lap top or a notebook, probably second hand, and am
 DR> sorting out in my mind the pros and cons of the laptop versus the
 DR> Type and Speak.

 DR> I recall the spirited discussion about two months ago on this
 DR> subject.  Unfortunately, none of the participants in that
 DR> discussion owned the Type and Speak.  So I would really like to
 DR> hear from an actual owner or one who has used it enough to really
 DR> have experienced its limitations rather than having experienced
 DR> those limitations in theory only.

Don,

I have spent almost a month now puting Type 'N Speak through its'
paces.  I think I know that machine inside out.  It has some really
nice features and I love the keyboard. The touch of that keyboard
is enough for me to want to use it instead of my desktop keyboard
here at home.  The file setup is the same as on a Braille 'N Speak
640, and in some respects it is easier to use than the Braille 'N
Speak.  All of the external programs that work with the BNS wil
also work on a TYpe 'N SPeak, and when new upgrades of the software
for the Type 'NM Speak are released you simply get the upgrade on
disk or download it from the Blazie BBS and load it into the Type
'N SPeak and go through the upgrade procedure.

Oh yes, another thing I really liked was that it includes both a
serial and parallel port which the BNS didn't have a parallel port,
and there is a nice alarm clock feature that the BNS does not
have.

Problems:  I found some problems with transfering files between the
Type 'n Speak and a PC, and had a few problems using Type 'N Speak
in speech box * synthesizer ) mode with the Type 'N SPeak attached
to any other port than my com1 port.  I first attributed the
problem to my computer, but then I hooked both a Accent SA and aa
DoubleTalk LT to com3 and 4 and had no problems with them so I am a
little concerned that TYpe 'n Speak may be having some sort of hand
shaking problem somewhere.  While the size of the Type 'N Speak
isn't bad, I still prefer my BNS for portability.  I can get the
BNS in a sportcoat pocket, but you won't get the Type 'N Speak in a
sportcoat pocket because it is thicker than BNS, and about an inch
deeper from back to front and an inch or two wider than the BNS.

Bottom line, I like it, but I am not sure I like it well enough to
trade a Braille 'n Speak for it unless I can get it in my coat
pocket.  Depending on what you want to do you may find that the
Type 'n Speak is just the answer you are looking for, but I guess
for the size I would like to try something like the new Gateway
Handbook with a Atrtic Transport velcroed to the top of it.  I am
not sure that there would be much difference in size, and that
combination would only weigh about 3.5 pounds for a true pc with 2
meg of RAM for about $2000.

Hope that helps.  I will be out-of-town this week, but feel free to
send me a message next week or get in touch with me at (703)
691-5129 and we can talk a bit more about it.

    D. T.

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Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!109!234!David.Tanner
Internet: David.Tanner@f234.n109.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Swcp catalog on-line
From: Peter.Scialli@f432.n109.z1.fidonet.org (Peter Scialli)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:109/432 - The Idea Link, Wheaton MD


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

[Note from Bill McGarry -- I'll get this up on the ftp archives soon.]

Hi All,

   Today, I uploaded the new, May 1993 ShrinkWrap catalog to BlinkLink.
   I originally called the file Cat.txt, but I have asked Willy to
   rename it to SWCP.txt.  At any rate, it is there and I suppose it
   will be available soon.  Other places to find the ASCII version of
   the catalog are CompuServe in Library 5 of the Disabilities Forum and
   on NFB-Net.  I'll also be putting it up on GENIE before the end of
   the day.
     This catalog features a few added products and some lower (and ever
     dropping) prices.  A package I call "The Student Edition" is the
     most affordable complete reading system around, so check it out!
     Thanks...I'll fold the sandwich sign up now.
          Peter

 * JABBER v1.1 * ShrinkWrap Computer Products: 800-377-0774
===
 * KMail 2.94g - The Idea Link -

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!109!432!Peter.Scialli
Internet: Peter.Scialli@f432.n109.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Large print wordprocessors
From: Lyn.Rainard@f93.n128.z1.fidonet.org (Lyn Rainard)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:128/93 - CSDB BBS, Colorado Springs CO


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

I am searching for a large print word processor.  So far have
located bigwp and bedit, but both have much to be desired.  Has
anyone seen biged or any similar program?  If you have, please
leave me a message as to its location so I can go download it.
Thanks for your help.

Lyn

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Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!128!93!Lyn.Rainard
Internet: Lyn.Rainard@f93.n128.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: cd-rom
From: Dennis.Brown@f120.n2320.z1.fidonet.org (Dennis Brown)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:2320/120 - MicroTalk, Louisville KY


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

My cd-rom is the most accessed device on my system these days!  Lots
and lots of material just waiting to be accessed!  Can't figure out
how I lived without it for so long!
It seems that a lot of people are hesitant about purchasing a cd-rom
due to the prices, and for fear that the CDs may not be accessible with
 their screen reader.
I've been amazed at how far the prices of CDs and cd-rom drives have
dropped within the last year alone!  What use to cost over $500 is now
$250 and lower!
DAK has a very nice cd-rom package for less than $250, and I know of 2
places where the drives are below $200!  In fact, one of these places
has older cd-rom drives for as low as $135, (with scsi card), and $79,
(without card)!  Old or not, that is an excellant bargain!  I don't
expect that deal to last too long!  The drives are the Hitachi
model 2500--800ms.
The name and number to this liquidator is Quality Computer Componants,
Roswell, GA: 404-640-0405.
Another place is offering a cd-rom drive fore $199 when you buy 2 CDs
from them. (until april 30).  They have excellant prices on over 200
different titles.
Library of the Future (1st ed) $29, CIA facts for $24, ProPhone for
$79, etc.  Their name and number is International Computer Buyers,
sNY, 1-516-294-4422.   Call for price list.
As far as the CDs not working with speech, most CDs that aren't
explicidly graphic, usually have a "text-mode" that allows them to be
accessed, (to different degrees) with speech!
What I'd suggest is to ask other screen reader users if they've used a
particular cd with speech.  This conference is a good place to start.
here is a list of my collection that works great with
ASAP/DoubleTalk, a short description, and approximate price paid.
   ------------
ms bookshelf -- Encyclopedia, dictionary, etc. (part of Dak pak)
family doctor -- medical questions and answers, perscription index.(
dak pak)
cd bible --9 versions of Holy Bible, 20 referenc books. ($49)
magazine rack -- several magazines. (dak pak)
time almanac -- time magazine for 90-91. (dak pak)
us history --  historical reference. ($39)
federal register -- data base of Federal regulations. (cd club)
zip plus plus -- Zip code registra. (cd club)
electronic Bluebook -- values on all types of equipment. (cd club)
front page news -- lots of newspaper headlines for 1991. (cd club)
CD Source Disc --over 800 demos of CDs. (cd club)
Selectware --more cd demos. (cd club)
small business --small business administrator. (dak pak)
Bible & Religion --lots of biblical references. ($29)
KGB World Facts --info on lots of eastern-block countries. ($29)
CIA World Facts --same as kgb facts, except more info. ($24)
ProPhone-- my favorite!! 7 CD set of business and residential phone
books!  updated every 6 months! ($79 and $129)
Reader's Library-- smaller version of library of the future. ($39)
BookShop-- a bookstore on disk!  a little of everything. ($29)
TechnoTools-- programming tools. ($29)
Ham Radio-- over 1000 files dealing with ham radio. ($29)
Able-Dos--lists 17000 adaptive devices! (from trace center) ($50)
Library of the Future (1st edition)-- over 450 documents, books, etc!
(a gift, but can be purchased for $29)
Reference Library-- just what the name implys! ($25)
C News-- 13 thousand files of c source code. ($29)
American business phon book-- over 9 million listings. ($34)
msdos archive-- over 6500 files of shareware and pub dom files. ($29)
   ----------
notes: the dak pak cost $149+-.
the cd club gave 10 cds for $100.
The prophone cd set cost $79 for a 3-set package, ($129 at dak), but
the upgrade to the full 7 cd set cost $129, and well worth it!
Hope this info helps someone!
If you've got cds that work well with speech, post a note here!
dennis

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Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!2320!120!Dennis.Brown
Internet: Dennis.Brown@f120.n2320.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Re: KTS Braille Display
From: Isaac.Obie@f625.n101.z1.fidonet.org (Isaac Obie)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:101/625 - Five Point BBS, Boston MA


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

>> Quoting from Les Kriegler to Isaac Obie on 03 Apr 93 12:56:00 <<

LK> @EID:1a35 0cfb8b50
LK> @PID: RA 1.11 2388
LK> @MSGID: 1:2613/207 515c26e8
LK> @REPLY: 1:101/625 2bbaab99
LK> Isaac, when a company is not willing to provide names of
LK> satisfied users so that they can be contacted, it suggests to me
LK> that there are problems with the unit.  That's what I find
LK> suspicious about all of this.  A solid product by itself should
LK> be enough for a company to wish to laud its positive features by
LK> its users.  How many users of the KTS actually exist?  Is their
LK> customer base
LK> growing?  Those would be just two questions I would ask of the
LK> company, and they cannot avoid answering those questions based on
LK> confidentiality concerns> You are right; let's see what develops.

Hi Les,

You know, it's interesting that you'd pose those questions cause
they're the same ones I have. Well, let me be as frank as I can. I
saw one of those units. two things happened right off the bat. 1.
the feet fell off! Yes, the rubber feet. 2. One of the key buttons
got stuck! The guy kept having to play with it to unstick it. Now
the feet aren't that   significant, but that button certainly is!
Well,  I did like the capabilities of the unit, but I only saw them
under close supervision. I bet I would've been quite frustrated
working on my own for a while. I was sincerely hoping that someone
on this echo would know about this device and would share their
experience. I even left a message to David Andrews asking if he
could help. I am still waiting. Maybe he didn't get the message.
This sometimes happens in these echoes. so all we can do now is
wait and see. I got plenty of time to do that while I pursue other
interests. thanks for your input. You have the same questions and
insight I do. Take care.  Isaac

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Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!101!625!Isaac.Obie
Internet: Isaac.Obie@f625.n101.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Smart Screens
From: Mitch.Galloway@f811.n270.z1.fidonet.org (Mitch Galloway)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:270/811 - KB-NET, Lewistown PA


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

 -=> Quoting Bill Koppelmann to Mitch Galloway <=-

Hi Bill,
 MG>  I also appreciate the margin
 MG> bell when using TED3.

 BK> refresh my memory if you would, how do you activate the margin bell?

When using the JAWS      configuration macros just hit insert B.
To make this macro for another program, It should read margin bell,
label on margin bell, label off, say on/off, cursor position active.

Do you know if there is a way to append macros from one configuration
to another?  I get tired of rewriting macros that I use in a number
of programs.
Great news!  I finally got word echo to work with Ted3 and Qedit.
The trouble maker seems to have been the insert R macro.  When I
deleted it things worked just fine.

 BK> i'm glad that you're going to be downloading qedit.  In case you need
 BK> to know this, qedit's name can be easily changed should you need it to
 BK> be.

  I took a very quick look at Qedit the other day.  Sure does have
a lot of features.  The wife and kids went away for the weekend, so
maybe I will have a few hours to look at the program on Sunday.
 MG> One of the features that I still am not sure about is the smart
 MG> screen.  Did you get the tape on Smart Screens?

 BK> Yes, and if you want a copy, just send me a turn around mailer and ye
 BK> shall receive.  The one that I have is not the special one that they

Thanks, try sending me your address by net mail and I will send you
a mailer.

Peace,  Mitch

___ Blue Wave/QWK v2.12

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Subject: Re: Bibles On Disk
From: Mitch.Galloway@f811.n270.z1.fidonet.org (Mitch Galloway)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:270/811 - KB-NET, Lewistown PA


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

 -=> Quoting David Tanner to Phil Scovell <=-
Hi David,
 DT> Do you know if the New International Version of the Bible is
 DT> available on disk? Is there a NIV version of the Bible On Line?

I use the New International version of the Bible with a program called
The Word Processor.  It is a rather expensive program, and from what
I hear it really doesn't do a whole lot more than many of the shareware
Bible programs.  If you are interested in it I'll get you the company's
address.

I understand that Quick Verse also has an NIV
version.  David Bond *on this echo* told me about another NIV from
Zonderman publishing.  IT SOUNDS MUCH MORE POWERFUL THAN WHAT I have.

You can also pay to get the NIV version for the On Line Bible.
Hope this helps.

Peace, Mitch
___ Blue Wave/QWK v2.12

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Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!270!811!Mitch.Galloway
Internet: Mitch.Galloway@f811.n270.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Inwsert R
From: Mitch.Galloway@f811.n270.z1.fidonet.org (Mitch Galloway)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:270/811 - KB-NET, Lewistown PA


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

 -=> Quoting Bill Koppelmann to Mitch Galloway <=-

 BK> Ok, excuse my ignorance, but while I know what the insert s is, what
 BK> in blazes is the insert r for.

Hi Bill,
The insert R is one of the default macros in the JAWS configuartion
files.  It reads like this:  *slashes added for clarity * If/smart
toggle/ then smart speak/ label begin reads smart screen readings/
lable end/ endif.
  I'm not sure why but it seems that when this feature exists I cannot
get word echo to work properly.  I have smart screen turned off.
I have found the insert R handy when rereading a pop up window in
my database program.
Hope this helps.

Mitch

___ Blue Wave/QWK v2.12

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!270!811!Mitch.Galloway
Internet: Mitch.Galloway@f811.n270.z1.fidonet.org




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                 End of Issue # 911 of the Blind News Digest

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