Hi,
I'm wondering what is preventing you from getting the nonfunctional Opticon
from getting it repaired? I'm not sure if you are aware but Richard Oehm of
Oehm Electronics right now to the best of my knowledge is still around and
repairing Opticons. If it is cost then I understand.
-----Original Message-----
From: optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> On
Behalf Of dan.tevelde@xxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Tuesday, February 8, 2022 11:21 AM
To: optacon-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [optacon-l] Training
When I got my optacon in high school there were limited options where I
could get training and an optacon to keep. I got my training at a school for
the blind and my optacon was loaned to me by the U.S. Department of
Education with the understanding that I would need to return it when I
graduated from college. Some people I know went to Associated Services for
the Blind in Philadelphia for training which I think included an optacon. I
wonder how much the training cost. The fact that I would not be able to keep
an optacon was a disincentive for me to ever become a fluent user. I did not
get much pleasure from the device and my family hated the noise. I was
always having problems keeping paperback books and magazines open. Maybe my
skills would have improved if I had spent more time with the optacon. In
college I wasn't able to keep up without hiring readers. Recently A friend
gave me an optacon and I need to get around to fixing it. It isn't my
highest priority. If we ever get a new type of optacon with more features I
probably would be more interested in developing my skills using it. If I
don't get around to fixing the optacon then I will donate it to someone on
this list. I wouldn't do what some friends did by throwing their optacons in
the trash. I'm sure I could find someone to use it if I decide getting it
fixed wouldn't justify my using it.
I know my comments sound negative but this is an example of where I would
want more modern technology to interest me more in an optacon. I think the
device should be essentially the same but with newer components and a
digital interface so software could be updated. We have the technology
except for a practical tactile array which is a real shame. The worst of it
is that we don't have enough interest in an optacon where we could obtain
funding for research and development. It is a sad situation.
Dan
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