Yes, I agree about the 5cm height, and would like to take at least a few
millimeters off. Mainly, this measurement is due to the optacon display and
its feature of being configurable into a one-handed unit. To a lesser
extent, depending on one of 3 possible "dot matrices" (not the dot producing
mechanism itself)used in the braille display, these same several millimeters
might be shaved off. Another way of making the autonymous optacon display
smaller by a bit would be to migrate its native electronics to a pack (such
as the portable host computer)connected by cable. In effect then, one would
have its display as small is it can be, and the actual "work" done by a pack
attached by cable. However, after having considered each of several
senarios, I see disadvantages with each. So, at this point, the
compromise--in several ways the most complex and the most flexible of
options--results in the approx. 5cm height. The 5cm includes the
perkins-style keyboard with the keys in the up position. Oddly enough, even
the seemingly simple keyboard was a project itself. Not all people prefer
the elasto-membrane keyboards of the BrailleNote line and the Braille Sense
U2. Just as many prefer the feel of the Braille Lite keyboard, and the
perkins brailler keys. However, I did settle on an elasto-membrane
keyboard. There are ways to adjust the feel and "bounce" of such a
keyboard, but they would likely be used for less portable devices like an
electric piano keyboard with many options.
Although I can do little more development for now, I can work with what I do
have when health and time etc permit.
Kind regards,
Chuck
-----Original Message-----
From: C.Scharpf
Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2016 2:29 AM
To: optacon-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [optacon-l] Thank you for clarifications
Chuck,
Thank you for the clarifications. As for your question about the design of
the computer-cum-Optacon, I personally like the design you described, i.e.,
the position of the domino being between dots 1 and 4 because it will be
accessible and quick to remove or plug in again.
I played with the idea of placing the domino into the housing at the center
of the front panel so that when it is removed the void would not be this
obvious. However, this still requires placing a cover or lid on it whenever
the domino is in one-hand use. Moreover, such a position might interfere
with the electronics operating the Braille display, which, as I understand
your description, found a home at the very front edge of the computer.
Therefore, I am not pushing for this option.
Thank you for stating the size of the unit. While I understand that its
width (28 cm) and depth (14 cm) are non-negotiable, I wondere about its
height (5 cm). What makes it this high? I know of Braille
notetakers/computers that are lower, e.g. approximately 3 cm. Is there a
chance for the Optacon III/computer to get a little thinner than 5 cm
without compromising the functions?
I am neither a technician nor an enginer but a user most keenly interested
in having a versatile and small unit to work with most effectively.
Best wishes,
Cordelia
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