Index V4 - User Manual

Index V4
Embosser manual
2015-02-22 Firmware 1.5.4

Summary

Safety Information

Installation

Unpacking the Embosser

Procedure for unpacking the embosser, checking contents, and storing transport locks.

Electrical Connectors

Identification of electrical connectors on the Basic-D and Everest-D models.

Power On and Off

Index Braille Printer Driver

Install printer driver, connect via USB, and configure network IP for embosser operation.

Converting to Braille

Methods for converting documents to Braille using Index-direct-Braille and editors.

Paper Handling

Paper Loading Procedures

Detailed instructions for loading paper into Basic-D, Everest-D, and Braille Box embossers.

Control Panel Settings

Key Functions Overview

Explanation of the functions of different keys on the embosser's control panel.

Layout Selection

Menu Tree Structure

Service and Support

Paper Calibration

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Index V4 Embosser is a specialized device designed for producing Braille documents. It serves as a comprehensive solution for individuals and organizations requiring tactile print, offering various models tailored to different needs and scales of operation. The primary function of the embosser is to translate digital text into embossed Braille dots on paper, making information accessible to visually impaired individuals.

Function Description

The core function of the Index V4 Embosser is to convert and emboss text into Braille. This process involves several key steps, starting from the input of digital text to the final output of a tactile Braille document. The embosser supports various Braille grades, including Grade 0 (computer Braille), Grade 1 (literary Braille), and Grade 2 (contracted Braille), allowing users to choose the appropriate translation for their content.

A significant feature is the Index-direct-Braille (idB) functionality, which enables direct embossing from PDF or Word documents without the need for an external Braille editor. This streamlines the workflow, as the embosser itself handles the translation, formatting, page numbering, and other layout aspects. The idB system utilizes the Liblouis Open Source Braille translation system, supporting a wide range of languages globally. This ensures that documents can be accurately translated and embossed for diverse linguistic requirements.

The embosser can be connected to a computer via USB or network (IP address), allowing for flexible integration into existing IT infrastructures. Once connected and the appropriate printer driver is installed, users can send documents to the embosser for processing. The device's internal web interface provides additional control and configuration options, such as setting static IP addresses for network connectivity.

Different models of the Index V4 Embosser cater to specific paper handling requirements:

• Basic-D: Designed for tractor-fed paper, suitable for continuous printing.
• Everest-D: Handles cut-sheet paper, ideal for single-sheet documents.
• Braille Box: Also uses cut-sheet paper and is optimized for high-volume production, including saddle-stitch 4-page documents.

The embosser's control panel allows for direct interaction and configuration. Users can select various layouts, adjust paper sizes, set margins, and define characters and lines per page. The device also offers speech feedback, which guides users through the menu options and provides status updates, enhancing usability for visually impaired operators.

Usage Features

The Index V4 Embosser is designed for user-friendly operation, incorporating several features to simplify the Braille printing process.

Installation and Setup: The embosser comes with an Index USB memory stick containing necessary software and printer drivers for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. The installation process involves installing the printer driver before connecting the embosser to the computer. For network connectivity, the embosser can obtain a dynamic IP address via DHCP or be configured with a static IP address through its internal web interface.

Power Management: The device is powered on by pressing the ON key for two seconds, followed by a 40-second startup sequence. Powering off is done by holding the OFF key for two seconds, ensuring proper file closure.

Speech Feedback: English speech feedback is enabled by default, guiding users through operations. This can be customized to other languages via the control panel. A headphone jack is available for improved audio quality.

Braille Conversion and Embossing: With idB, users can right-click on Word or PDF files (Windows) or use the print function in any editor/viewer (Mac OS X, Linux) to send documents directly to the embosser. The embosser then translates and embosses the text based on predefined settings. Users can select the Braille translation language and grade (0, 1, or 2) from the control panel.

Paper Handling:

• Basic-D: Requires tractor-fed paper. Users open the lid, adjust tractors to paper width, load paper, and stretch it before locking the right tractor. The paper eject distance can be adjusted for different acoustic hoods or cabinets.
• Everest-D: Uses cut-sheet paper. Transparent plastic guides are placed on the sheet feeder, and paper is loaded against the right margin guide. The left margin guide is adjusted to the paper stack, and the sheet feeder is closed. Card/sheet selectors can be adjusted to optimize pick-up function and prevent double-feeds or no-feeds. The front bottom profile angle can also be adjusted for optimal paper ejection.
• Braille Box: Supports cut-sheet paper, including A3/11x17 inch saddle-stitch. The paper tray is opened, the rear stop is moved to the correct position, and paper is inserted. Margin guides are factory-adjusted but can be modified for specific paper sizes. For A4, Letter, or 11x11.5 inch paper, a Braille Stack support is recommended to hold the stack in place.

Control Panel Settings: The control panel offers a comprehensive menu tree for configuring various aspects of the embosser:

• Current document: Emboss last printed document, select number of copies.
• Braille settings: Page layout, Braille options (cell size, translation, folding line), maximum papers in tray, characters per line, lines per page, top margin, binding margin, page number, number of pages per volume, volume number.
• Hammer impact: Adjust hammer energy and number of strokes per Braille dot.
• Liblouis setting: Select speech language and Braille translation grades.
• Communication: Configure network settings (dynamic/static IP, net mask) and serial communication parameters (baud rate, data bits, parity, stop bits, handshake, end of file delay).
• Option: Speech feedback volume and language, emboss Braille manual, hammer test, demo files, embosser information pages.
• System: Units (mm/inch), date and time, paper calibration, folding line position, distance to first Braille line, paper out distance for hood/cabinet.

Special Key Functions:

• ON: Start embossing, online mode, exit MENU without saving.
• OFF: Stop embossing.
• FEED: Feed to new page, eject page.
• HELP: Echo information about current function.
• MENU: Start MENU mode, save MENU settings.
• Arrows (UP/DOWN/LEFT): Navigate menu items, select values, move to higher menu levels.
• OK: Select menu item, save value, save layout.
• 1/10: Change numerical values by 1 or 10 (or fractions/entire inches).
• CHS: Change between increase/decrease in numerical functions.

Double Key Functions (press keys with half a second interval):

• OFF+FEED: Stop embossing.
• FEED+FEED (Basic-D only): Place paper in emboss position.
• FEED+OFF (Basic-D only): Reverse paper out of embosser.
• HELP+FEED (Braille Box only): Place paper arms in horizontal position.
• HELP+MENU: Echo lines per page and characters per line.
• HELP+CHS: Toggle between local and English speech feedback.
• HELP+10: Echo embosser IP address.
• HELP+ON: Emboss hammer test page.
• HELP+OFF: Emboss current format settings.
• HELP+HELP: Emboss embosser information page.
• 10+1: Start command center.

Long Key Functions (press keys for 2 or 15 seconds):

• ON (2 seconds): Power on embosser.
• OFF (2 seconds): Power off embosser.
• HELP (15 seconds): Start remote support (requires firmware 1.3.5+ and Internet connection).

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and optimal performance of the Index V4 Embosser.

Cleaning Pick-up Rollers (Everest-D): Over time, the rubber surface of the pick-up rollers can lose its stickiness. To restore it:

1. Clean with a rubber cleaning liquid, similar to those used in copy machines.
2. Alternatively, grind the rollers with very fine sandpaper while they rotate (press ON, then FEED, and hold sandpaper against the roller). Repeat for all pick-up rollers.

Sensors: The embossers are equipped with various sensors to monitor paper handling and device status:

• Basic-D: Yellow LED for paper movement sensor (blinking = OK paper moving), Green LED for paper edge sensor (lighted = paper in position).
• Everest-D: Green LED for paper edge sensor (lighted = paper in position).
• Braille Box: LED indicators for Service Door sensor (lighted = open), Braille Tray sensor (lighted = open), Paper Tray magnetic sensor (lighted = open), and Braille Tray full sensor (green/yellow/red display for stack height, press ON to continue).

In service situations, sensors can be temporarily overridden by pressing the '1' key when an error message is displayed, allowing printing to continue despite a sensor fault. To re-enable sensors, restart the embosser.

Calibration: Paper calibration is essential for accurate vertical paper movement, especially when the electronic main board is replaced, paper quality changes significantly, or the printout area doesn't fit the paper size. To perform a paper calibration:

1. Ensure the embosser's paper size setting matches the actual paper loaded.
2. Start calibration via MENU/System//Calibration///OK.
3. The first page feeds through to define the value.
4. The second page is embossed with the defined paper movement value, generating a printout with maximum lines and characters per line for the set paper size.

Firmware Upgrades: Index Braille regularly releases firmware updates to improve functionality and address issues. These can be downloaded from www.indexbraille.com.

• Via IbPrint: Open IbPrint, select the embosser, drag and drop the firmware file, and press "Emboss." The process is indicated by a blinking ON LED and a series of beeps. The embosser will restart upon completion.
• Via idB functionality: Double-click the firmware file, select the embosser, and press OK. The process is similar to IbPrint. It is crucial never to roll back firmware to an older version and never to turn off the embosser during a firmware upgrade to prevent damage to the SD card.

Lokal Speech Feedback: New speech feedback languages can be downloaded and upgraded in the same way as firmware, allowing for customized auditory guidance.

Service and Support: For any issues, users should first contact their local distributor. Additional support resources, including manuals, knowledge base articles, videos, and printer drivers, are available on the Index Braille website. The embosser also supports remote support, which can be initiated by holding the HELP key for 15 seconds, allowing Index support to control the embosser remotely.

Warranty: Index Braille embossers come with a two-year warranty on parts, provided the embosser is transported in professional packaging with transport locks properly in place.

Shipping the Embosser: Before returning an embosser for service, users must contact Index Braille support for instructions. The embosser should be packed in its original materials with transport locks inserted. A fault description, sender information, and proof of purchase should be included.

Index V4 Specifications

General

Paper Width	5 - 13 inches
Interface	USB
Braille Production Speed	100 CPS
Weight	5.5 kg
Power Supply	100-240 VAC