Humanware BrailleNote Apex - User Manual

Viewing a BrailleNote Apex’s Visual Display Wirelessly
Did you know that you can view the BrailleNote Apex’s visual display using only a wireless connection
and your smartphone or tablet? If your BrailleNote Apex is running KeySoft 9.4.1 or later, this
functionality is already available to you. If you are not running the latest software, simply visit
www.humanware.com/braillenote_support to download your free update.
Before you start ensure your Braille Note and mobile device are connected to the same wireless
network. To connect to your network using your Apex:
From the BrailleNote:
1. Activate the options menu with space with o (function O on QT units).
2. Press the letter c for the connectivity menu.
3. Press the letter w to select the wireless menu.
4. When asked if you want to turn on wireless? Press the letter y followed by enter
5. Press the letter s to scan for networks.
6. Press the space bar until your desired network is shown. Activate it by pressing enter.
7. Press space to navigate to the security key?
8. Type in the wireless security password. Remember to use drop numbers if necessary.
9. Press the main menu key or space with all 6 dots to jump to the main menu.
10. When asked if you want to add this connection? Press Y.
From an iOS or Android Device:
1. Tap settings.
2. Tap WIFI
3. Tap the network you wish to join.
4. If requested, enter the security key.
5. Tap join.
Note for school networks, more information may be required both from the BrailleNote, and from the
iOS device to connect to the network.
Next we will establish a VNC visual display connection. If you are using an iOS device visit the App Store.
For Android devices visit the GooglePlay store and download the VNC Viewer. This is a free app.
From the BrailleNote:
1. Type space with the letter o (Function O on QT units), for the options menu.
2. Type the letter v for the visual display settings.
3. Type the letter w to activate the Wireless visual display and press enter.

Summary

Connecting to a Wireless Network

Connecting via BrailleNote

Steps to connect the BrailleNote Apex to a wireless network using its interface.

Connecting via iOS or Android

Steps to connect an iOS or Android device to a wireless network.

Establishing the VNC Visual Display Connection

Initiating Display from BrailleNote

Steps to activate the wireless visual display feature on the BrailleNote Apex.

Connecting on Smartphone or Tablet

Steps to establish the VNC connection using a smartphone or tablet app.

Using the Remotix Paid Application

Instructions for using the Remotix app for wireless visual display connection.

Visual Display Without Active Internet

Using a Wireless Hotspot or Router

Methods to enable visual display connection without an active internet connection.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Connecting the BrailleNote Apex to a Wireless Network
4. Connecting the iOS or Android Device to a Wireless Network
5. Establishing the VNC Visual Display Connection
6. Alternative Connection Method (Remotix VNC & RDP App)
7. Using Visual Display without an Active Internet Connection
8. Maintenance Features

This document describes how to view the visual display of a BrailleNote Apex device wirelessly on a smartphone or tablet. The BrailleNote Apex is a device designed to assist users with visual impairments, and this functionality allows its visual output to be mirrored on a separate screen, potentially for sighted collaborators, educators, or family members.

Function Description:

The core function described is the ability to wirelessly mirror the BrailleNote Apex's visual display onto a compatible smartphone or tablet. This is achieved through a Virtual Network Computing (VNC) connection. The BrailleNote Apex acts as a VNC server, broadcasting its visual output over a wireless network, while the smartphone or tablet acts as a VNC client, receiving and displaying this output. This feature is available for BrailleNote Apex devices running KeySoft 9.4.1 or later. The primary benefit is to provide a real-time visual representation of what is happening on the BrailleNote Apex, enhancing collaboration and support for users.

Usage Features:

The document outlines a step-by-step process for establishing this wireless visual display connection, covering both the BrailleNote Apex and the receiving iOS or Android device.

Connecting the BrailleNote Apex to a Wireless Network:

1. Access Options Menu: Users activate the options menu by pressing space with o (or function O on QT units).
2. Navigate to Connectivity: Press c for the connectivity menu.
3. Select Wireless Menu: Press w to choose the wireless menu.
4. Turn on Wireless: If prompted, press y followed by enter to activate wireless.
5. Scan for Networks: Press s to scan for available networks.
6. Select Network: Use the space bar to browse networks and enter to select the desired one.
7. Enter Security Key: Navigate to the security key prompt by pressing space.
8. Input Password: Type the wireless security password, remembering to use drop numbers if necessary.
9. Return to Main Menu: Press the main menu key or space with all 6 dots.
10. Add Connection: Confirm adding the connection by pressing Y.

Connecting the iOS or Android Device to a Wireless Network:

1. Open Settings: Tap "settings" on the device.
2. Access Wi-Fi: Tap "WIFI".
3. Join Network: Tap the desired network.
4. Enter Security Key: If prompted, enter the security key.
5. Confirm Join: Tap "join". For school networks, additional information might be required for both devices.

Establishing the VNC Visual Display Connection:

1. BrailleNote Apex - Access Options Menu: Type space with o (Function O on QT units) for the options menu.
2. BrailleNote Apex - Visual Display Settings: Type v for the visual display settings.
3. BrailleNote Apex - Activate Wireless Visual Display: Type w to activate the Wireless visual display and press enter.
4. Smartphone/Tablet - Open VNC Viewer: Open the VNC viewer application (downloaded from App Store or GooglePlay).
5. Smartphone/Tablet - Add Connection: Press the plus sign to add a new connection.
6. Smartphone/Tablet - Enter IP Address: Read the IP address displayed in braille on the BrailleNote Apex and enter it into the address field on the iOS device.
7. Smartphone/Tablet - Proceed: Tap "next".
8. Smartphone/Tablet - Name Connection: Give the connection a name and tap "next".
9. BrailleNote Apex - Password Protection (Optional): If password protection is not desired, press N on the braille note.
10. Smartphone/Tablet - Connect: Tap "connect" on the iOS device to establish the connection.

Once connected, the BrailleNote's visual display will be mirrored on the smartphone or tablet. To close the connection, users tap X on the lower right of the iOS screen and then tap "disconnect".

Alternative Connection Method (Remotix VNC & RDP App):

For iPads and iPhones, a paid app called Remotix VNC & RDP ($19.99) offers an alternative. A free "lite" version is available for a 5-minute trial. This app's advantage is that it scans for VNC connections, eliminating the need to manually enter the IP address.

1. Launch Remotix: Start Remotix on the iPad or iPhone after initiating the visual display on the BrailleNote Apex.
2. Tap "Net Bios": On the left side of the screen, tap "Net Bios".
3. Select Apex: On the right side, the Apex should appear; tap it.
4. Confirm: Tap "done" in the upper right corner. The visual display will then appear, and the Apex will announce "Connection established."

Using Visual Display without an Active Internet Connection:

The document clarifies that an active internet connection is not required to view the Apex's visual display. The connection only requires a local wireless network.

• Smartphone as Hotspot: A smartphone can be used as a wireless hotspot to create the necessary local network.
• Inexpensive Wireless Router: Users can purchase a wireless router, plug it in, and connect both the Apex and the mobile device to its generic wireless signal (e.g., "Linksys"). This method is particularly useful in environments with complex wireless security.

Maintenance Features:

The document implicitly suggests a maintenance feature related to software updates. It states that the functionality requires KeySoft 9.4.1 or later and directs users to www.humanware.com/braillenote_support to download free updates if their device is not running the latest software. This highlights the importance of keeping the device's software up-to-date to ensure access to new features and optimal performance. While not a direct "maintenance" task in the traditional sense, software updates are crucial for the ongoing functionality and security of the device.

The overall design of this feature enhances the usability of the BrailleNote Apex by providing a flexible and accessible way for sighted individuals to interact with and understand the device's output, fostering better support and collaboration for users with visual impairments.

Humanware BrailleNote Apex Specifications