13. UTILITIES
13.1 Calculator
13.1.1 General Functions
13.1.2 Fractional arithmetic
13.1.3 Memory Functions
13.1.4 Sine Functions
13.1.5 Cosine Functions
13.1.6 Tangent Functions
13.1.7 Logarithm Functions
13.1.8 Convert Unit
13.1.9 Copy to Clipboard
13.1.10 Return formula
13.1.11 Option Settings
13.1.12 Exit
13.1.13 Sample Math Calculations
13.2 Display Time and Date
13.3 Wake up alarm
13.3.1 Set Time
13.3.2 Alarm Sound
13.3.3 Term
13.3.4 Ringing Duration
13.3.5 Repeat Interval
13.3.6 Wake up Call Times
13.3.7 Confirm/Cancel
13.4 Calendar
13.4.1 Using the Calendar
13.5 Stopwatch
13.6 Terminal for screen reader
13.6.1 Connecting to a Screen reader
13.6.2 Terminal Clipboard
13.7 Display Network Status
13.8 Display Power Status
13.9 Format
13.9.1 Formatting the disk
13.10 Set Sleep Timer
13.11 Upgrade Braille Sense PLUS Firmware
13.11.1 Upgrading the Braille Sense PLUS Firmware Using the Internet
13.11.2 Upgrading the Braille Sense PLUS Firmware from a Disk
13.12 Using Macros
13.12.1 Recording a macro.
13.12.2 Executing a Macro.
13.12.3 The Macro Manager
13.13 Hot Keys for Utilities

13. Utilities

The "Utilities" menu provides several special functions and settings for the Braille Sense PLUS. The "Utilities" menu contains the following items:

1) Calculator (for doing simple math equations as well as scientific calculations)
2) Display Time and Date (for viewing the date and time) 
3) Wake up alarm (for setting an alarm)
4) Calendar (for checking dates according to the lunar and solar calendar)
5) Stopwatch (for timing events)
6) Terminal for screen reader (for connecting your Braille Sense PLUS to your PC for use as a Braille display, external speaker, etc) 
7) Display Network Status (for displaying the status of your Internet connectivity)
8) Display power status (for discovering the amount of battery charge on the unit)
9) Format (for formatting the flashdisk as well as external storage devices)
10) Set Sleep Timer (for defining the time before the unit automatically goes to sleep)
11) Upgrade Braille Sense Firmware (for upgrading the Firmware)

To access the menu items,
1) Press "Space-1" or "Space-4" in the "program" menu.
2) Press "Enter" on the "Utilities" menu. Or, press "u (dots 1-3-6)" from the "program" menu to open the Utilities menu. 
3) The "Utilities" menu contains many settings dialogs and small applications.
The following sections discuss each of these menu options and their functions in greater detail.

13.1 Calculator

Using the calculator on the Braille Sense PLUS you can do simple math equations as well as complex scientific calculations. The results and expressions are displayed in Braille, and spoken by the Braille Sense PLUS. While using the calculator, you can access the "help" menu by pressing "Space-h (dots 1-2-5)" for hot key information on the various calculator functions. 

To use the calculator, press "c (dots 1-4)" from within the "Utilities" menu. You can launch the "Calculator" from anywhere on the unit by pressing "F3-c (dots-1-4).
When using the calculator on the Braille Sense PLUS, you may type using computer Braille when calculating or inserting expressions. You can clear the calculator by pressing "Backspace-c (dots 1-4)". If you insert numbers or a function into a result, the result disappears; and if you enter operators, you move to the next step. In addition, you can keep your result in the calculator's memory, and recall it later. You can activate the functions and operators via the calculator menu or you can use the hot keys associated with the various functions. 
The calculator functions are explained in greater detail below.

13.1.1 General Functions

"General functions" is a dialog box that contains the "general function list", a "Confirm" button, and a "Cancel" button. In the dialog box, you can navigate among the controls using "tab (Space-4-5)" and "shift-tab (Space-1-2)". In the general function list, you can navigate the operators using "Space-1" or "Space-4". Or, in the list, you can press the first letter of the operator you want to access. In the "Calculator", you can open the menu by pressing "Space-m (dots 1-3-4)" or "F2", and press "Enter" on "General Functions". Or, you can press "g (dots 1-2-4-5)" from the menu to access "General Functions". When the calculator is opened, 0 is displayed in computer Braille. From the calculation line, you can access the "General Functions" using the hot key, "Enter-g (dots 1-2-4-5)". 

When the dialog opens, you are placed on the general function list. Once there, you can select your desired operation and press "Enter" to perform it. You can cancel the operator selection by pressing "Enter" on "Cancel", "Space-z (dots 1-3-5-6)", or "Space-e (dots 1-5)". You can also use hot keys to quickly execute operations. 

Use the following hot keys to perform basic calculations:

PLUS: dots 3-4-6
Minus: dots 3-6
Divided by: dots 3-4
Multiply by: dots 1-6
Percent: dots 1-4-6
Power: BackSpace-4-5
Square Root: Enter-q (dots 1-2-3-4-5)
Decimal point: dots 4-6
Left parenthesis: dots 1-2-3-5-6
Right parenthesis: dots 2-3-4-5-6
PI: Enter-p (dots 1-2-3-4)
Exponential: Enter-e (dots 1-5)

To enter negative numbers type minus (dots 3-6) and the number in parentheses. For example, type in minus 2 in the following manner: (-2).
For the percent operation, type the numbers first followed by the percent sign. Immediately after you type the percent sign (%), the number you have typed in is converted into a percent value. For example, 90 + 20% equals 90 + 18. The number 18 is displayed immediately on entering the % sign. The result of this expression is 108. 

13.1.2 Fractional arithmetic 

The Braille Sense PLUS can perform fractional operations such as simplifying and multiplying fractions as well as converting fractions to decimals. 
When entering fractions, use "Backspace-dots3-4" for over. To enter one over two, type "1, Backspace-3-4, 2". When entering a mixed number, such as one and one-half, press space between the whole number and fraction. To enter one and one-half, type "1, Space, 1, Backspace-3-4, 2".
To multiply two-thirds by three-eighths, type, "2, Backspace-3-4, 3, dots-1-6, 3, Backspace-3-4, 8". Press Enter to perform the calculation. The result, 6/24, is automatically simplified to 1/4. 
You can also convert fractions to decimals, decimals to fractions, improper fractions to mixed numbers, or mixed numbers to improper fractions. When your result is fractional, you can bring up the "fraction options" by pressing "Space-3-4". Press "Space-1" and "Space-4" to move among the available options. If the fraction is a simple fraction, your options are ""fraction to decimal" and "return original fraction". If the fraction is an improper fraction, you also have an option to return "improper fraction to mixed number". If your fraction is a mixed number, the "mixed number to improper fraction" appears. Finally, if your result is a decimal and you press "Space-3-4", the decimal is converted to a fraction. 

13.1.3 Memory Functions

The "Memory Functions" store your resulting answers and calculations in memory for later use. The "Memory Functions" menu has four items: "Recall Item", "Delete All Saved Items", "Save Item", and "Statistics Functions". You can move among these items by pressing "Space-4" or "Space-1" repeatedly, and press "Enter" on the desired feature. To access these menu items, press "Space-m (dots 1-3-4)" to open the menu, and press "Enter" on "Memory Functions". Or, you can press "v (dots 1-2-3-6)" from the menu.

13.1.3.1 Recall Items

"Recall Items" is a dialog, containing the following: "Variable list", "Delete", "Display detail", "Confirm", and "Cancel". You can navigate among these items by pressing tab (Space-4-5) or shift-tab (Space-1-2). You can access "Recall Items" by pressing "r (dots 1-2-3-5)" from the "Memory Functions" menu. Or, you can access the dialog by pressing "Backspace-r (dots 1-2-3-5)" in the calculation line. 

The "Variable list" displays "item name: the result value". You can move through the "Variable list" by pressing "Space-1" or "Space-4". You can insert the result value into your calculation by pressing "Enter" on the item name. You can also copy items in the "Variable list". Press "Space" to select an item in the "Variable list". Then, press "Enter-i (dots 2-4)" to copy the selected items to the clipboard. 

The "Display detail" shows the item name and its result with the default set to "No". To review the detailed information, press "Space" to switch to "Yes". Then, it displays "item name: the expression = its result value" in Braille. 
"Delete" is used to remove a variable item. To delete an item, select the item you want to be deleted, and press "Enter" on "Delete". You can also select any number of individual items by pressing "Space" on each of them. 

13.1.3.2 Delete All Saved Items

You can delete all of the saved items stored in the "Recall Items". To do this, open the menu by pressing "Space-m (dots 1-3-4)" or press "F2". Then, use "Space-1" or "Space-4" to move to the "Memory Functions" menu, and press "Enter". Next, use "Space-1" or "Space-4" to move to "Delete All Saved Items", and press "Enter". You can also press "Enter-d (dots 
1-4-5)" while in the calculation line.

13.1.3.3 Save Items

"Save Items" is a dialog that allows you to define variables according to the current expression or result in the calculator and save them for future use. The dialog contains an edit box for typing in the variable name, a "Confirm" button and a "Cancel" button. You can move among the controls by pressing "tab (Space-4-5)" or "shift-tab (Space-1-2)". From the "Memory Functions" menu, you can access "Save Items" by pressing "s (dots 2-3-5)". From the calculation line, use the hot key, "Backspace-s (dots 2-3-4)" to open the save items dialog. 

When the dialog is opened, the "item name" edit box is focused. Type a name for the variable, and press "Enter" or move to "confirm", and press "Enter". The current expression or result is then saved under the variable name you just specified.
If you type names under variables which have already been created, you are prompted, "Replace variable xx with current value? Yes". To change the value, press "Enter" on "Yes". If you do not want to change the value, press "Enter" on "No". Press "Space" to toggle between "Yes" and "No".
If you type function names like "sin", "coos", or "pi" as a variable name, you are warned, "Invalid item name", as you cannot use these functions in variable names. 

When you are on the calculation line, you can also define variables directly by typing "variable=expression" and press "Enter" to save the variable.. For example: "a=2+sin(30)" or "a=591",  

13.1.3.4 Statistics Function

If you select this menu item, a dialog opens, which consists of a list box containing all the stored variables, a list box displaying the results of several functions, and a "Close" button. You can move among these elements by pressing "tab (Space-4-5)", or "shift-tab (Space-1-2)". You can open this dialog by pressing "Backspace-t (dots 2-3-4-5)" in the calculation line, or by pressing "t (dots 2-3-4-5)" in the "Memory Functions" menu. In the variable list, the variable names and their current values are displayed. You can move among these variables by pressing "Space-4" or "Space-1". In order to select a variable to be used in the calculation, press "Space" on it. This list is the same as the one in the "Recall Items" dialog. The only difference is that this dialog always displays variable names and values, regardless of the value of "Detail display" option. After you select all of the variables to be used in the calculation, you can press "tab (Space-4-5)" to move to the "result" list. The "result" list displays the sum, average, variance, and standard deviation of the selected variables. You can move among these items by pressing "Space-4" or "Space-1". To copy results from the list to the clipboard, press "Space" on the items you wish to select

13.1.4 Sine Functions

The "Sine Functions" menu is activated when you press "Enter" on "Sine Functions", or press "s (dots 2-3-4)" from the menu. You can open the menu by pressing "Space-m (dots 1-3-4)". Or, you can activate the "Sine Functions" menu by pressing "Enter-s (dots 2-3-4)" in the calculation line. The "sine function" list consists of "Sine", "Arc sine", and "Hyperbolic sine". If you press "Enter" on one of the three functions while moving with "Space-1" or "Space-4", or if you press "Enter" on "Confirm" while one of the functions is focused, (Space-4-5), you can insert it into your calculation line after selecting one of the sine functions. Or, you can insert one of the three sine functions by pressing the first letter of each from the list.

13.1.5 Cosine Functions

You can activate the "Cosine Functions" by pressing "Enter" on "Cosine Functions" or by pressing "i (dots 2-4)" from the menu. Or, in your calculation line, you can open the "Cosine Functions" by pressing "Enter-i (dots 2-4)". The "cosine function" list consists of "Cosine", "Arc cosine", and "Hyperbolic cosine". If you press "Enter" on one of the three functions while moving with "Space-1" or "Space-4", or press "Enter" on "Confirm" while one of the functions is focused, the calculation is performed. Or, you can activate one of the three cosine functions by pressing the first letter of each from the list.

13.1.6 Tangent Functions

You can activate the "Tangent Functions" when you press "Enter" on "Tangent Functions", or if you press "t (dots 2-3-4-5)" from the menu. You can also open the menu by pressing "Space-m (dots 1-3-4)". Or, in your calculation line, you can open the "Tangent Functions" by pressing "Enter-t (dots 2-3-4-5)". The "tangent functions" list consists of "Tangent", "Arc tangent", and "Hyperbolic tangent". If you press "Enter" on one of the three functions while moving with "Space-1" or "Space-4", or press "Enter" on "Confirm" while one of the functions is focused, you can insert this function into your calculation. Or you can insert one of the three tangent functions by pressing the first letter of each from the list.

13.1.7 Logarithm Functions

The "Logarithm Functions" is a dialog, which contains the following: "function list", a "Confirm" button, and a "Cancel" button. You can move among the three items by pressing "tab (Space-4-5)" or "shift-tab (Space-1-2)". The function list consists of "Common logarithm" and "Natural logarithm", in which you can move by pressing "Space-1" or "Space-4".
You can activate the "Logarithm Functions" menu by pressing "Enter" on "Logarithm Functions", or by pressing "l (dots 1-2-3)" from the menu.  Or, in your calculation line, you can open the "Logarithm Functions" by pressing "Enter-l (dots 1-2-3)".
If you press "Enter" on one of the logarithm functions, or "Tab" to "confirm" while one of the functions is focused, you can insert this function into your calculation. Or, you can run a "Natural logarithm" by pressing "n (dots 1-3-4-5)" from the list. You can run a "Common logarithm" by pressing "c (dots 1-4)".



13.1.8 Convert Unit 

The "Convert Unit" dialog allows you to convert measurements of mass, area, volume, distance, and temperature from metric measure to imperial measure as well as other standards of measurement and units of measurement within the same system. 
To open the "Convert Unit" dialog, press "Space-M" or "F2" to open the menu, navigate to "Convert Unit" using "Space-4" and press "Enter". Open the "Convert Unit" dialog from anywhere in the calculator by pressing "Enter-U (dots-1-3-6)". 
The "Convert Unit" dialog contains the following items: "Unit Category" combo box, "Current Unit" combo box, "Change Unit" combo box, "Input Number" edit box, "Convert" button, "Cancel" button and the "Result" static box. You can move among the controls in the dialog using "Tab (F3 or Space-4-5)" or "Shift-Tab (Space-F3 or Space-1-2)". Use "Space-1" or "Space-4" to move among the items in the combo boxes. 
The available unit categories are Distance, Area, Mass, Volume and Temperature. When you have chosen your measurement category, the "Current Unit" and "Change Unit" combo boxes will contain measurement units according to your chosen category. The available distance units are: Millimeters, Centimeters, Meters, Kilometers, Inches, Feet, Yards, and Miles. The available units of area are: Square Meters, Are, Square feet, Square Yards, Acres, and Hectares. The available units of mass are: Grams, Kilograms, Tones, Grains, Ounces, and Pounds. The available units of volume are: Deciliter, Milliliter, Liter, Cubic Centimeter, Cubic Meter, Cubic Inch, Cubic Foot, Cubic Yard, Gallon, Fluid oz, Cups and Quarts. The available units of temperature are: Celsius, Fahrenheit and Kelvin. 
Choose your unit to convert from in the first combo box. Choose your unit to convert to in the "Change" combo box. Type the number of the measurement you want to convert in the "Input Number" edit box. Finally, to convert the measurement, Tab to the "Convert" button and press "Enter". If you wish to cancel the conversion, Tab to the "Cancel" button and press "Enter". When you activate the "Convert" button, the conversion result is displayed in the "Result" static box. 


13.1.9 Copy to Clipboard

The "Copy to Clipboard" function is used to copy your expression or result to the clipboard for pasting your expression or result in a document. You can activate it by pressing "Enter" on the "Copy to Clipboard" option, or by pressing "c (dots 1-4)" from the menu. Or, in the calculation line, you can press "Enter-c (dots 1-4)" to quickly copy your calculation to the clipboard. After copying, you can paste the calculation in a document. 
When you activate "Copy to Clipboard", you hear "Copy completed", and the Braille Sense PLUS returns to your calculation line. 

13.1.10 Return formula 

There may be times, after viewing a result, that you wish to be reminded what expression you used to obtain that result. The "return formula" function allows you to return the expression you just entered

When your result is displayed, you can activate the "return Formula" function by pressing "Enter-r (dots-1-2-3-5)". You can also activate this function by pressing "F2" to enter the menu, navigating to "return Formula" and pressing "Enter".

When you activate "Return Formula", the expression you entered to obtain your current result is displayed.

13.1.11 Option Settings

You can activate the "Option Settings" by pressing "Enter" on the menu option or press "o (dots 1-3-5)" from the menu.  Or, from your calculation line, you can activate the "Option Settings" by pressing "Enter-o (dots 1-3-5)".
When the "Option Settings" dialog is open, if you press "Enter" on the option you want, or press "Enter" on the "Confirm" button associated with it, the option is set according to your preference. 

"Option Settings" is a dialog, which contains the following: "setting list", a "Confirm" button, and a "Cancel" button. You can move among the three items by pressing "tab (Space-4-5)" or "shift-tab (Space-1-2)". The "setting list" consists of "Angle Unit" and "Calculator Braille Code". You can navigate among the 2 options by pressing "Space-1" or "Space-4". Use "Space" to change the value of each setting.

When setting the angle unit, if you select "Radian", you can get the PI value while using the trigonometric function. If you select "Degree" and activate PI, you will get a wrong answer as this is not a valid calculation. 

You can set the Calculator Braille code to computer Braille as described previously. You can use "Space-g (dots1-2-4-5)" to change this setting from anywhere in the calculator.

13.1.12 Exit

This is used to exit the calculator. You can close the calculator by pressing "Enter" on "Exit Calculator" or press z in the menu. Or, in your calculation line, you can exit by pressing "Space-z (dots 1-3-5-6)".

13.1.13 Sample Math Calculations

The following are examples for each of the math functions you can perform when using the calculator on the Braille Sense PLUS.

General functions:

1. Addition PLUS
For PLUS press "dots 3-4-6".
For example, to add the numbers 10 and 20, enter: 10+20.
The result is displayed as 30.

2. Subtraction Minus
For Minus, press "dots 3-6".
For example, to add the numbers 10 and 20, and subtract 5, enter: 10+20-5. The result is displayed as 25.

3. Multiplication
For multiplication, press "dots 1-6".
For example, to multiply 10 by 20, enter: 10*20.
The result is displayed as 200.

4. Division
For Division, press "dots 1-4".
For example, to divide 20 by 10, enter: 20/10. The result is displayed as 2.

5. Percent
For Percent, press "dots 1-4-6".
To calculate a 10 percent mark-up of 20 enter, 20+10%: the result is 22. 
To calculate a 10 percent mark-down of 20, press: 20-10%: the result is 18.
To calculate what percentage 20 is of 10, press: 20/10%: the result is 200. 
To calculate 10 percent of 20, press: 20*10%: the result is 2. 

6. Power
For Power, press "Backspace" with "dots 4-5".
For example, to calculate 2 to the power of 10, press: 2^.10. The answer is 1024.

7. Calculating Square Root
To perform the Square root function, press "Enter" with "dots 1-2-3-4-5".
For example, to calculate the square root of 16, press: Enter with dots 1-2-3-4-5, 16 ")". Then, press enter.
Your answer is 4.

8. Exponent
For Exponent, press "Enter" with "dots 1-5".
For example, to calculate the Exponent of 2, press: Enter with dots 1-5 then 2, followed by the ")"was and "Enter". The result is 7.3890561.

9. Trigonometric Functions

Sine Functions:
For Sine, press "Enter" with "dots 2-3-4", and s. This is shown on the Braille display as, sin(.
For Arc Sine, press "Enter" with "dots 2-3-4", then a. This is displayed as asin(.
For Hyperbolic sine, press "Enter" with "dots 2-3-4", then "h". This is displayed as sinh(.
To calculate the sine of a 30 degree angle type the following: Enter with dots 2-3-4, then s, 30 and ")". Press "Enter" and your answer is displayed as 0.5.

Cosine Functions:
For Cosine, press "Enter" with "dots 2-4", and press i. This is displayed as cos(.
For Arc cosine, press "Enter", with "dots 2-4", then, a. This is displayed as acos(.
For Hyperbolic cosine, press "Enter" with "dots 2-4", then, h. This is displayed as cosh(.
For example, to calculate the cosine of a 30 degree angle, press: Enter with dots 2-4, C, 30 and ")". Then, press "Enter". Your answer is displayed as 0.8660254.

Tangent Functions:
For Tangent, press "Enter" with "dots 2-3-4-5" and t. This is displayed as tan(.
For Arc tangent, press "Enter" with "dots 2-3-4-5" then a. This is displayed as atan(.
For Hyperbolic tangent, press "Enter", with "dots 2-3-4-5", then, h. This is displayed as tanh(.
For example, to calculate the tangent of the 30 degree angle, press: Enter with dots 2-3-4-5, T, 30 and ")". That is, tan(30) the result of which is 0.57735027.

Logarithm Functions:
Common logarithm
For Common logarithm, press "Enter" with "dots 1-2-3", and not. This is displayed as log(.
For example, to calculate the common logarithm of 100, press: Enter with dots 1-2-3, N, 100 and ")". That is, log(100) which give the result 2.

Natural Logarithm
For Natural logarithm, press "Enter" with "dots 1-2-3", and, every. This is displayed as ln(.
For example, to calculate the natural logarithm of 100, press: Enter with dots 1-2-3, E, 100 and ")". That is, ln(100) which gives the result 4.60517019.

13.2 Display Time and Date

Use this function to check the current date and time. To activate this function, press "Space 1" or "Space-4" to navigate to "Display Time and Date" in the "Utilities" menu, and press "Enter". Or, you can activate this function by pressing d from the menu. You can also query the time and date from anywhere on the Braille Sense PLUS. Press "Space-t (dots 2-3-4-5)" to check the time. Press tab (Space-4-5), and today's date is displayed.

13.3 Wake up alarm

You can set a "Wake up alarm" so that an alarm sounds on the Braille Sense PLUS at a specified time every day. To open "Wake up alarm", from the "Utilities" menu, use "Space-1" or "Space-4" to navigate to "Wake up alarm", and press "Enter". You can launch the "Wake Up Alarm" from anywhere on the unit by pressing "F3-a (dot-1)". If this is the first time you have opened "Wake up alarm", and you have not yet set the time or date in the Braille Sense PLUS, the unit prompts, "Set time:" After you set the time, the Braille Sense PLUS displays the "Wake up alarm" dialog. You are then prompted, "Set time:" The "Wake up alarm" dialog contains the following: "Set time", "Bell", "Term", "Alarm duration", "Repeat interval", "Wake up call times", a "Confirm" button, and a "Cancel" button. You can move among the controls by pressing "tab (Space-4-5)" and "shift-tab (Space-1-2)". 
When the alarm sounds, the Braille display also displays the message "Wake up call. Press Backspace-enter to stop the alarm". As the message indicates, to stop the alarm, press "Backspace-enter". 

13.3.1 Set Time

When you open the "Wake up alarm" dialog, the Braille Sense PLUS displays the "Set time" field. The value is set to the current time or the time specified previously. Here you can directly type the time, or set the time using the shortcut keys, as explained in section 6.3. After you set the time press "tab (Space-4-5)" to move to the next field. 

13.3.2 Alarm Sound

You can select from one of 3 alarm sounds, a vibration, a media file or an FM Radio frequency for the wake up alarm. If you press "tab (Space-4-5)" from "Set time", the current alarm sound plays. Press "Space-1" or "Space-4" to change the alarm sound. As you move among the sounds, the various alarm sounds are played. When you reach the 4th option, "Vibrate motor", the Braille Sense PLUS produces a long vibration representing the one you would feel should you choose to use this option to alert you of your alarm. 
If you choose "Media File", Tab to the "File Name" button and press "enter" to browse for the file you wish to use as your alarm sound. You are placed in a File Manager control with the focus inside the 'Media" folder. Locate the file you wish to use, and press 'Enter". If you choose "FM Radio", tabbing once places you in an edit box in to which you can type the frequency of the radio station you wish to wake up to. 
When you have selected your desired alarm type, press "tab (Space-4-5)" to move to the next field.

13.3.3 Term

In this field, you can set which days of the week the alarm sounds. There are four options: "Off", "Once", "Week days", and "Every day". Move among these options by pressing "Space-1" or "Space-4". If the "Term" is set to "Off", the alarm does not go off at the specified time, no matter how the other options in the dialog are set. If the "Term" is set to "Once", the alarm goes off only once. If the "Term" is set to "Week day", the alarm goes off at the same time every weekday, Monday through Friday. If the "Term" is set to "Everyday", the alarm goes off at the specified time 7 days a week. When you have selected your preference, press "tab (Space-4-5)" to move to the next field.

13.3.4 Ringing Duration

This option sets the amount of time that the alarm sounds. The options are 1 minute, 2 minutes, or 3 minutes. Move among these options by pressing "Space-1" or "Space-4". If you set the ringing duration to "1 minute", the alarm sounds for one minute, then is silent. To stop the alarm before a minute has passed, , press "Backspace-enter".

13.3.5 Repeat Interval

This option sets the amount of time that is between the times that the alarm sounds. For example, if you set the repeat interval to three minutes, after the alarm has stopped sounding, it rings again in 3 minutes, . The available settings are 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes. Move among these options by pressing "Space-1" or "Space-4". 

13.3.6 Wake up Call Times

This option allows you to decide how many times the alarm sounds. If the alarm is not turned off by pressing "Backspace-enter", it repeats according to the number of times you set for this option. The available settings are 1 to 10. Move among these options by pressing "Space-1" or "Space-4". 

13.3.7 Confirm/Cancel

If you press "Enter" on the "Confirm" button, the changes are saved, and the dialog is closed. If you do not want to save the changes, press "Enter" on the "Cancel" button. The Braille Sense PLUS keeps the previous alarm settings, and closes the dialog.

13.4 Calendar

You can open the calendar by pressing "Enter" on "Calendar" in the "Utilities" menu, or by pressing "l (dots 1-2-3)". You can launch the "Calendar from anywhere on the unit by pressing "F3-L".
The following options are available: "Solar calendar", and "Lunar calendar"". In the calendar, you can check three kinds of information starting from the year 1841 to the year 2043. If you type a date that is not in the range and press "Enter", you get the message, "Invalid date", and return to the "Date" edit combo box. 

13.4.1 Using the Calendar

The "Calendar" is composed of the "Solar calendar", and the "Lunar calendar". In the "Lunar calendar", a leap month is displayed with "l (dots 1-2-3)". The calendar works according to a date unit. The default is the date set on the Braille Sense PLUS. 
The following is an explanation of how to check the dates.

1. Moving items
You can switch among "Solar calendar", and "Lunar calendar" by pressing "tab (Space-4-5)" or "shift-tab (Space-1-2)".
2. Typing date
In the calendar, you can type a month, date, and year in the form of mm/dd/yyyy. Use 2 digits for the day, 2 digits for the month, and 4 gigits for the year, separating them using a slash or space. If you press "Enter" after typing a date, the date is announced in one calendar, and you can press "Tab (Space-4-5) to move to the equivalent date in the other calendar. 
3. Hotkeys for switching dates

After typing a date, you can check the "Solar calendar", "Lunar calendar", and "Day of week" by pressing "tab (Space-4-5)" or "shift-tab (Space-1-2)".
Move to the next day: Space-6
Move to the previous day: Space-3
Move to the next week: Space-5
Move to the previous week: Space-2
Move to the next month: Space-4
Move to the previous month: Space-1
Move to the next year: Space-5-6
Move to the previous year: Space-2-3


13.5 Stopwatch

You can launch the "Stopwatch" from anywhere on the unit by pressing "F3-W (dots-2-4-5-6)".
Or, you can navigate to it in the "Utilities" menu and execute it by pressing "Enter".
When you press "Enter" on the "Stopwatch", "00:00:00" is displayed. Press "Enter", to start the stopwatch running. Press "Enter" again, to pause, and the Braille Sense PLUS announces the elapsed time, and displays it in Braille. Pressing "Enter" again restarts the stopwatch running.
If you press "Backspace" while the stopwatch is paused or running, The Braille Sense PLUS announces the elapsed time and clears to "00:00:00". While the stopwatch is running, pressing "Space" gives you the elapsed time. As the stopwatch is still running, the Braille display continues displaying the time second by second as it passes. 
Press "Space-F2" to stop displaying the time. If you press "Space-F2" once more, the time is displayed again.

If you press "tab (Space-4-5)" or "shift-tab (Space-1-2)" when the stopwatch is idle or while it is running, you switch to the "Countdown timer". If you activate the "Countdown timer", you are asked to type hours, minutes, and seconds. When typing the hours, minutes, and seconds, type a two-digit number for the hour, minute, and the second using Computer Braille or grade 1.  You do not need to use a number sign. If you press "Enter" without typing any numbers, the "Countdown timer" starts counting down by the default time, which is set to one minute. When started, the "Countdown timer" displays "countdown xx minute", and begins running.
Press "Enter" on the "Countdown timer", and the Braille Sense PLUS tells you the remaining time, and pauses countdown. Press "Enter" again to restart the timer. Pressing "Backspace" clears the "Countdown timer". If the timer reaches zero, a 10-second alarm sounds, and the "Countdown timer" clears. If you press "Backspace-enter" while the alarm is sounding, the alarm stops and your timer clears, and is ready to accept a new time.
Press "tab (Space-4-5)" or "shift-tab (Space-1-2)", to return to the stopwatch. To exit the "Stopwatch" or "Countdown timer", press "Space-z (dots 1-3-5-6)", and you return to the "Stopwatch" item in the "Utilities menu.

13.6 Terminal for screen reader

The "Terminal for screen reader" function allows the Braille Sense Plus to be used as a Braille display when connected to a computer or cell phone that uses a compatible screen reader such as Window-Eyes, Supernova, or Apple's VoiceOver. Before using this function, make sure that the Braille Sense Plus is connected to your personal computer or smart phone via a Bluetooth serial connection, or to the USB client port. To turn on this function, from the "Utilities" menu, press "Space-4" repeatedly to reach "Terminal for screen reader". Then press "Enter".
To launch "Terminal for Screen Reader" from anywhere on the unit, press "F3-s (dots-2-3-4)".

 When you activate "terminal for screen reader", the list of connection options is displayed. The options are "Bluetooth serial port" and "USB port". Press "Space-1" or "Space-4" to reach your desired connection type. Press "Enter" and the unit announces, "Terminal mode". If you are connecting using the Bluetooth serial connection and Bluetooth has not been activated, the unit automatically activates Bluetooth before entering terminal Mode.
Once in Terminal Mode, the Braille Sense Plus no longer speaks as it is now simply acting as a Braille display for your computer or smart phone. If the connection fails, you are returned to the list of connection methods.
To exit the "Terminal for Screen reader" press "Backspace-Space-z (dots 1-3-5-6)".

13.6.1 Connecting to a Screen reader
 
13.6.1.1 Connecting to PC via USB
 
To connect the Braille Sense to a Windows screen reader such as Jaws, NVDA, System Access or Window-Eyes via USB, you must install the proper USB driver on your PC. Below are steps for installing the USB driver. 
Note: for JAWS for Windows version 14 or lower, you must download and install 2 drivers: the generic HIMS USB driver, and the JAWS specific driver.
For all other screen readers, and when using JAWS 15 or higher, you need only the generic Braille Sense USB driver.
 
1) Download the USB driver for Braille Sense from the HIMS website:  
Generic USB driver: 
http://www.himsintl.com/upload/HIMS_USB_Driver_v25.zip
JAWS specific driver for V14 or lower:  
http://www.himsintl.com/upload/JAWS/HIMS_Braille_Driver_For_Jaws_V2_1.zip
2) Unzip the compressed file and execute "Braille_SENSE_USB_Driver.exe.
3) When the "Braille Sense USB Driver Setup wizard" appears, select the "Install" button. 
4) When the installation wizard appears, select the "Next" button. 
5) When the drivers are successfully installed, press the "Finish" button. 
6) Connect the Braille Sense to the PC via the USB cable, and make sure it is in Terminal Mode. 
7)  
A. if using windows 7/8, Windows will locate and automatically install the drivers. If running XP, please use step B, and the subsequent numbered steps.
B. When the "Found New Hardware Wizard" appears, select "Install from a specific location" using the "Down arrow", and then press the "Next" button. 
8) When the "Please choose your search and install option" message appears, select "Don't search. I will choose the driver to install", and press the "Next" button. 
9) You are prompted to "Select the device driver you want to install for this hardware", select "HIMS USB DRIVER" and press the "Next" button. 
10)  "Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard" should appear. Select the "Finish" button. 
 
When you have finished installation of the USB driver on the PC, please follow the instructions for connecting the display with your screen reader via USB.
 
13.6.1.2 Connecting to PC via Bluetooth serial port
 
The following steps will walk you through setting up the Braille Sense to be used as a Bluetooth Terminal for Screen Reader. These instructions assume that you already have Bluetooth installed on your computer. The following instructions also assume that you are running at least Windows XP, Service Pack 2.
 
Before you begin, make sure that your Braille Sense is turned on and be aware of the unit's designated Bluetooth name.
 
1. Instructions for windows XP
 
1) Navigate to the Bluetooth icon in the System Tray. You may open the system tray by pressing "windows key-b", then press the Right or Left Arrow 
Key until you reach the Bluetooth icon. Then, press the "Applications" key". 
Note: If the Bluetooth icon does not appear in the System Tray, you may have to change the settings for the Bluetooth icon to appear. Go to the Windows Control Panel, Bluetooth Devices, Options, and check the check box that says "Show the Bluetooth Icon in the Notification Area".
 2) Press the "up or down arrow" key until you get to "Open Bluetooth 
settings", and press "Enter".
 3) Fromt the tabs list, use "Control-Tab" to select the Device tab.
 4) Tab to the Add button, and press "Enter".
 5) Press "Space" to check the checkbox for "My device is setup and ready to be found", and then press enter".
 6) The XP machine should find the Braille Sense under the name ""Braille Sense----"where --- represents a numeric value. 
 7) Press the "down arrow" key to focus the name of your HIMS Braille device.
 8) Tab to the Next button, and press "Enter".
 9) The PC should ask for the PIN code. Type a 4 digit code of your choosing, and press Enter. Braille Sense will then prompt you for the same pin code; type it in computer Braille and press Enter.
10) The computer should display the message, "Found new hardware" and the finish dialog should appear.
 If the connection is successful, the dialog should display that the 
Bluetooth device was successfully set up. Please note the numbers for the incoming and outgoing com ports. For example, the outgoing COM port may be 
COM 5, and the incoming COM port may be COM 6. Do not be surprised if your COM ports are not set to COM 5 and COM 6. The COM ports used can vary from computer to computer.
 11) Press "tab" to get to the Finish button, and press "Enter" to activate it.
 12) You are returned to the Bluetooth device settings dialog. From the tabs list, press Ctrl-Tab twice to focus the COM ports tab control.
 13) Press "tab" to get to the list of COM ports, and press the Down Arrow to move through the list of COM ports to verify the com port numbers.
 14) Tab to the OK button, and press Enter.
 
2. Connecting via Bluetooth to a Windows 7/Windows 8 computer.
 
1)   Open the Control Panel.
2)   Open Devices and Printers
3)   Tab to "Add a Device" and press "Enter".
4)   Windows searches for devices and displays them in a list.
5)   Use the Up or Down arrow to navigate to the Braille Sense  and press "Enter".
6)   You are asked to enter the pass code for the device. Enter a 4 digit code of your choosing and press Enter. The Braille Sense will then prompt you for the same pass code; type it in computer Braille, and press Enter.
7)   The computer should display the message, "Found new hardware" and the final dialog should appear on the computer. The dialog should display that the Bluetooth device was successfully set up. It is very important to note the Bluetooth COM port as you will need this when setting up your screen reader.
 
13.6.1.3 Using the Braille Sense with Window-Eyes
 
Use the following steps to connect your HIMS Braille device as a terminal for Screen Reader with Window-Eyes from GW Micro.
1) Make sure your Braille Sense is powered on, and in Terminal mode.
2) Press Control-Backslash to open the Window-Eyes control Panel.
3) Arrow down to devices and press "Enter".
4) Arrow down to "Braille displays" and press "Tab" to open the available displays list.
5) Arrow down to Braille Sense and press "Tab" to get to the ports list.
6) If you are using Bluetooth, please choose the Com Port number that matches your Bluetooth connection. If using USB, choose "USB" from the ports list.
7) Tab to "Activate" and press "Enter".
8) If activation is successful, you have 15 seconds to choose whether or not to "keep settings" or "Revert" the settings to the way they were before you activated the Braille Sense.
9) Tab to "Keep settings" and press "Enter".
10) Tab to "Save Settings" and press "Enter".
11) Tab to "Minimize" and press "Enter" to minimize the Window-Eyes Control Panel. 
Note: You may need to restart Window-Eyes for Braille to begin displaying.

13.6.1.4 Using the Braille Sense with JAWS for Windows
 
Use the following instructions to set up the Braille Sense as a Braille display with the JAWS screen reader from Freedom Scientific:
1) Make sure Braille sense is powered on and in Terminal Mode. If you are using USB, please connect the unit to the computer via the included USB cable. 
2) Navigate to the JAWS Window and press "Alt" to open the menu. 
3) Press "Enter" on the "Options" menu.
4) Use the Up or Down arrow to navigate to "Braille" and press "Enter".
5) Choose HIMS Braille Sense as your Braille device.
6) Tab to "Advanced" and press "Enter".
7) Choose USB as the port if connecting via USB, or the correct Com Port if using Bluetooth.
8) Tab to "OK" and press "Enter".
9) You are prompted that you must restart JAWS for the settings to take effect. Restart JAWS for Windows, and Braille should begin displaying.

13.6.1.5 Using Braille Sense as a Braille display with NVDA
 
Use the following instructions to set up the Braille Sense for use as a Braille display with the free NVDA screen reader from NV Access.
1)   Make sure Braille Sense is powered on and  in Terminal Mode. If you are using USB, please connect the device to your computer via the included USB cable.
2)   Press "NVDA key-N" to open the NVDA menu.
3)   Arrow down to "Preferences" and press "Enter".
4)   Arrow down to "Braille Settings" and press "Enter".
5)   Choose "HIMS Braille Sense" from the Braille Display combo box.
6)   Tab to the "Port" combo box and ensure that it is set correctly. (NVDA employs automatic port detection, so you should not need to change this setting)
7)   Tab among the various combo boxes to choose options such as output and Input tables, cursor options, etc. Use the Up and Down arrows to navigate among the choices in each combo box.
8)   When you have finished selecting your settings, Tab to "OK" and press "Enter".
 
Note: Make sure the "Save configuration on Exit" box is checked in the NVDA menu in order to ensure your settings for the Braille Sense are saved, thus the HIMS Braille device will automatically connect each time you use NVDA in the future.
 
13.6.1.6 Using the Braille Sense with System Access.
 Currently, The Braille Sense works with System Access using only a Bluetooth connection. To use your Braille Sense as a Braille display with System Access, ensure it is powered on, Bluetooth is activated, it is in Terminal Mode, and that it has been paired with your PC. When System Access is started, the device is automatically detected, and Braille begins displaying.
 
13.6.1.7 Using Braille Sense with VoiceOver on the Mac.
 
To use a Braille Sense as a USB braille display with a Mac running VoiceOver, you can simply power on the device, make sure it is in Terminal Mode and connect it to the Mac via USB. The unit is immediately recognized and VoiceOver output is shown on the Braille display.
Use the following steps to connect the Braille Sense as a Bluetooth Braille display with a Mac running VoiceOver:
1. Ensure that the unit is powered on, Bluetooth is activated, and it is in Terminal Mode.
2. Press Vo-F8 to open the voiceOver Utility.
3. Navigate to "Categories" and press Vo-Shift-Down to begin interacting with it.
4. Press B for Braille.
5. Press Vo-Shift-Up to stop interacting with the Categories group.
6. Press Vo-Right to "Display", and press Vo-Space to activate it.
7. Navigate to "Add", and press VoSpace to activate.
8. VoiceOver announces "Searching for Bluetooth devices".
9. Navigate to the "Bluetooth devices" list and press Vo-Shift-Down to interact with the table.
10. Navigate to "Braille Sense " and press Vo-Shift-Up to stop interacting with the table.
11. Navigate to "Remember this device" and press Vo-Space to check the box.
12. Navigate to "select" and press Vo-Space" to activate it.
13. VoiceOver asks for the pairing code and places you in the edit box.
14. Enter the pairing code, type a 4 digit code of your choosing and press Enter. braille Sense prompts you for the same pin code; type it in computer Braille and press Enter.
You should hear a chime indicating VoiceOver has connected to your Braille device and you should begin seeing VoiceOver output on the Braille display. 
 
13.6.1.8 Using the Braille Sense with IOS devices
 
Use the following instructions to connect your Braille Sense as a Bluetooth Braille display with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod. 
 
Note: You must be running IOS 4.2 or higher on your i-device in order to use HIMS Braille devices as Bluetooth Braille displays with VoiceOver. These instructions refer to the iPhone, however, they apply to all compatible i-devices: iPhone 3Gs and higher, iPad, and iPod Touch 3G and later.
1) Make sure your Braille Sense is powered on, Bluetooth is activated, and it is in Terminal Mode.
2) On your iPhone, Navigate to Settings/General/Accessibility/VoiceOver/Braille.
3) If Bluetooth is not activated on the I-Phone, it will prompt you to do this. WHEN Bluetooth is activated, the I-Phone searches for devices.
4) The Braille sense should appear in the list of available Braille devices.
5) Double tap the Braille Sense in the Braille devices list.
6) You are asked for a pin code. Enter a 4 digit code of your choosing  and double tap the Pair button.
7) the notetaker prompts you for the pin code; type the same pin code you entered in to the iPhone, and press Enter.
You should hear a chime on the iPhone, and the text displayed on the iPhone should appear on the Braille display of your Braille Sense.
 
13.6.1.9 Using the Braille Sense with BrailleBack for Android.
 
In order to gain Braille access to Android via BrailleBack, you must first download and install the application to your Android device from the Google Play store.
Use the following steps to use your Braille Sense as a Braille display with BrailleBack.
 
1. Make sure your Braille Sense is powered on, Bluetooth is activated, and in Terminal Mode.
2. On your Android device: go to "Settings".
3. Select Bluetooth.
4. Select "Search for devices".
5. Select the Braille Sense from the device list.
6. When requested, enter a 4 digit pairing code of your choosing and select the OK button:
After activating the OK button on the tablet, Braille Sense prompts you for the same pin code; type it in computer braille and press Enter.
7. When the Braille Sense is successfully paired, return to "Settings" on your Android device and select "Accessibility".
8. Select BrailleBack and enable the checkbox to turn it on. The paired Braille display should be recognized and should begin displaying Braille.

13.6.2 Terminal Clipboard

Terminal Clipboard allows you to create and edit text on the notetaker before sending it via the Terminal for Screen Reader to the connected device. This can be useful in instances like when using VoiceOver on an i-device, in which characters are translated as they are sent to the IPhone or iPad. In this case, if you do not type quickly, characters may be mistranslated. For example: if you type "t e l l" and do not type quickly enough, VoiceOver could potentially translate this as "thateverylikelike" as, if there are pauses in typing, each Braille character can potentially be translated to its whole word equivalent. In the same way, editing text is also difficult as, any letter or single character Braille contraction, when typed by itself is translated as that contraction. So, if you are attempting to type the word "talk", and accidentally type "tall", when you delete the "l" and type the "k" the "k" is translated as "knowledge". Thus, the text you get is "talknowledge". To truly fix the word, you must erase the entire word and type it again.
Thus, creating/editing text when using your notetaker as a Braille display is sometimes a very exact and tedious business. As explained above, the Terminal Clipboard allows you to create and edit text on the notetaker, and send the completed text to the connected computer or SmartPhone via the Terminal for Screen reader.
To enter "Terminal Clipboard", press "Space-Enter-I (dots-2-4)". The Braille Sense announces, "Terminal Clipboard". Type and edit your text using normal text entry and edit commands. In "Terminal Clipboard", the Braille display and keyboard are temporarily disabled from sending/receiving information to/from your connected computer or i-device, so that you may use them for creating/editing your text. For more information on text entry and editing, please see section 5 of this manual on the Word Processor. When you are finished typing the text you wish to send to your computer or PDA, press "Enter-S (dots-2-3-4)" and the text is quickly inputted to the device via the Terminal for Screen reader, and your Braille Sense returns to sending/receiving information to and from the connected device.
"Terminal Clipboard" can also be useful for transferring text from a document or e-mail in your notetaker, to a document or e-mail you are creating on your connected computer or SmartPhone. As the "Terminal Clipboard" is a standard edit box on the notetaker, you can paste text in to it from the notetaker's clipboard. (see the sections of this manual regarding selecting text as it applies to supported programs such as the Word Processor, E-mail, Web Browser, etc.)
To send text on the notetaker's clipboard to your connected device via the Terminal for screen reader, do the following:
1) While in Terminal Mode, press "Space-Enter-I (dots2-4)" to activate "Terminal Clipboard".
2) Press "Enter-v (dots1-2-3-6) to paste the text from the notetaker's clipboard to the edit box.
3) Press "Enter-S (dots-2-3-4)" to send the text to the computer or i-device via the Terminal for Screen Reader.


13.7 Display Network Status

Using this utility, you can check whether the Braille Sense PLUS is currently connected to the Internet. This utility provides information about the current connection type, the current IP of the unit, subnet mask, gateway, and MAC address. To check network status, press "Enter" on "Display Network Status", or press "n (dots 1-3-4-5)" from the "Utilities" menu. You can also queery network status from the "program" menu by pressing "Space-n (dots-1-3-4-5)". 
When you launch "Display network status", the information about the current connection is displayed. If you press "tab (Space-4-5)", the Braille Sense PLUS displays a "Renew" button. If you press "tab (Space-4-5) again, "close" is displayed. If you press "shift-tab (Space-1-2)", the Braille Sense PLUS moves among these elements in the opposite direction. 

The first item in the information list (status) indicates whether the Braille Sense PLUS is currently connected to the Internet (online/offline), and if so, the current connection type (LAN, Modem, ADSL, or Wireless LAN). The next item is the "current IP address", followed by "Subnet mask", and "Gateway", and finally "MAC address". You can move among these items by pressing "Space-4" or "Space-1". If the Braille Sense PLUS is not currently connected to the Internet, the status information shows "offline", and the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway display 0's. 

13.8 Display Power Status

You can activate the "Display power status" function by pressing b or press "Enter" on "Display power status" from the "Utilities" menu.  You can queery power status from anywhere on the Braille Sense PLUS by pressing "Space-1-6". When you execute this command, 2 pieces of information are displayed: the percentage of charge remaining in the battery, and whether the Braille Sense PLUS is using the AC adapter or the battery to receive power. After checking power status, you can exit by pressing "Space-z (1-3-5-6)", and you are returned to your previous location on the unit. 


13.9 Format

At times, it may become necessary to reformat the flashdisk in the Braille Sense PLUS.  You can access the "format" function by pressing f from the "Utilities" menu. Or, you can launch it from anywhere on the Braille Sense PLUS by pressing "F3-f (dots-1-2-4)".
When you format the flashdisk, or any disk on the Braille Sense PLUS, all information is erased. Therefore, before you format, you are advised to backup any important data if possible.

13.9.1 Formatting the disk

You can format the flashdisk using 2 methods:
1. Formatting the disk from the "Utilities" menu.
1) Go to "Format" in the "Utilities" menu.
2) Press "Enter", and "flashdisk" is focused.
3) Press "Enter"
4) You are prompted, "Format flashdisk?" Yes". 
5) Press "Enter"
6) You are prompted, "All data will be lost. Continue? Yes". 
7) Press "Enter". 
8) The unit announces, "Now formatting flashdisk" and the format is started.
9) When the format is complete, you are returned to the "Disk" list.

To cancel the format, press "Space", or press "Enter" on "No" in step 4 or 6.
You can also use this utility to format external storage devices such as SD cards or USB drives by choosing them from the disk list and following the procedure as described above. 

2. Formatting the flashdisk using "Reset".

1) Press and hold "Space-1-2-3". 
2) While holding down "Space-1-2-3", quickly press and release the reset button.
3) Continue holding "Space-1-2-3" until the unit announces, "Format start". 
4) When the format completes, the unit reboots and you are placed in the "program" menu.

13.10 Set Sleep Timer

YOU can set the sleep timer to turn the Braille Sense PLUS off after a specified amount of time regardless of what you are doing.
To set the sleep timer, follow these steps:
1) Open the "Utilities" menu.
2) Press "Space-1" or "Space-4", to move to "Sleep timer".
3) Press "Enter". 
4) Or press "Space-j (dots 2-4-5)" from anywhere on the unit. 
5) You are prompted, "Sleep timer: 0".
6) Enter the number of minutes for the sleep timer in the edit box. The available settings range from 0 to 180.
7) Press "Enter".
When the sleep timer is set, even if the device is active, it powers off after the specified amount of time. If you set the sleep timer for "5" minutes and press "Space-J (dots 2-4-5)" after 2 minutes, "3" is displayed in the edit box, indicating the time remaining before the sleep timer powers the unit off. 


13.11 Upgrade Braille Sense PLUS Firmware

Using this utility, you can update the Braille Sense PLUS either via an Internet connection or from external media containing the upgrade files. If you choose the "Online" method, be sure you have an active Internet connection before attempting the upgrade.  When you update the Braille Sense PLUS, all of the settings are returned to their default status. Data in the flashdisk is protected. However, we recommend you backup your files before updating the Braille Sense PLUS Firmware as unexpected problems can occur.

Note: You cannot cancel the update once it has started. You must not reset the unit during an upgrade. You must keep the unit connected to AC power throughout the upgrade process. We recommend you do not touch the Braille Sense PLUS while it is updating. It may take up to 30 minutes to update the Braille Sense PLUS, depending on the speed of your Internet connection. On completing the installation, the Braille Sense PLUS reboots again to finish the update and places you in the "program" menu.

Also note: the upgrade files are temporarily stored on the flashdisk for installation. If you do not have enough memory available on the flashdisk, the Braille Sense PLUS is unable to update until you make room for the upgrade files.
You can access the "Upgrade Firmware" option via the "Utilities" menu, or launch it from anywhere on the unit using "F3-U (dots-1-3-6)".

13.11.1 Upgrading the Braille Sense PLUS Firmware Using the Internet

To upgrade the Braille Sense PLUS Firmware via the Internet, follow these steps:

1) Make sure you are connected to the Internet and plugged into AC power. Press "Enter" on "Upgrade Braille Sense PLUS Firmware" in the "Utilities" menu. 
2) Press "Enter" on "Upgrade: Online". The Braille Sense PLUS connects to the HIMS server, and your current software version is compared to the HIMS server version. You are prompted to continue with the upgrade.

3) If you press "Enter" on "No", the upgrade is cancelled. Press "Space" to toggle between "Yes" and "No". If you press "Enter" on "Yes", the Braille Sense PLUS begins downloading the upgrade files. If the upgrade fails, you may receive the message, "Internet connection is not available. Check your cable and try again". To try the upgrade again, press "Space-z (1-3-5-6)" to cancel, and activate "Upgrade Braille Sense PLUS Firmware" again. If the connection is successful, the upgrade files are downloaded.   

4) After downloading the upgrade files, Braille Sense PLUS automatically starts the upgrade process. Please remember you must not touch the Braille Sense PLUS until the upgrade is complete as pressing keys, resetting, or unplugging the unit can interrupt the upgrade process, thus resulting in an incomplete installation. When the upgrade is complete, you are returned to the "program" menu, and the unit announces, "File manager".

5) After the upgrade is complete, check the software version by pressing "Space-v (dots 1-2-3-6)" while in the "program" menu.

13.11.2 Upgrading the Braille Sense PLUS Firmware from a Disk

To upgrade the Braille Sense PLUS Firmware from a disk, follow these steps:

1) Download the upgrade files from the HIMS, Inc. website. Extract the zip file and copy the 2 files contained in it to the root of an external storage device such as an SD card or USB thumb drive. 

2) Connect the SD card or USB drive to the Braille Sense PLUS, and be sure the Braille Sense PLUS is connected to AC power. Then, press "Enter" on "Upgrade Braille Sense PLUS Firmware" from the "Utilities" menu.

3) "Upgrade: Online" is displayed. Press "Space-4" to go to the "Upgrade: Offline" option. Press "Enter". 

4) If you are already running the latest version of the software, you are asked to continue with the upgrade. If you press "Enter" on "No", the upgrade is cancelled. Press "Space" to toggle between "Yes" and "No". 

5) If you press "Enter" on "Yes", the Braille Sense PLUS warns you that all settings will be set to factory defaults, and again, asks if you would like to continue. Press "Enter" on "Yes".

6) The Braille Sense PLUS starts the upgrade process. Please remember you must not touch the Braille Sense PLUS until the upgrade is complete. When the upgrade is complete, you are returned to the "program" menu, and "File manager" is displayed.

7) When the upgrade is complete, check the software version by pressing "Space-v (dots 1-2-3-6)" while in the "program" menu.

13.12 Using Macros

Macros allow you to automate functions of the Braille Sense for ease of use and efficiency, especially in cases where you perform a similar action often. For example, you may wish to set a macro to open a set of programs and documents when you come to work each morning. Or, perhaps, you want to set a macro to automate insertion of text and formatting of a document. You may even want to create a macro to automatically set an alarm for 6 in the morning the next day.

13.12.1 Recording a macro.
To create a macro, you simply ask the unit to record a set of functions as you do them, and save it. To begin recording a macro, press "F2-R (dots-1-2-3-5)" from anywhere on the unit. Perform all the functions you wish to automate later, then press "F2-R" again to stop recording. For example, if you wish to set a macro to set an alarm, press "F2-R", go to the Utilities menu, and the Wake Up Alarm function. Go through the process of setting the alarm. After you have pressed "Enter" to complete the alarm setting, press "F2-R" to stop macro recording. You are asked to enter a name under which to save the macro. Type it in the edit box, and press "Enter". If you have made a mistake, and do not wish to save the macro, press "Space-Z (dots1-3-5-6)" to cancel saving the macro.

13.12.2 Executing a Macro.

To execute a previously created macro, press "F2-E (Dots-1-5)" from anywhere on the Braille Sense. You are prompted for the macro name, and the last macro you created is automatically displayed. To execute a macro, type its name and press "Enter". The unit announces, "Executing macro, please wait,,,". The macro takes several seconds to execute as it must perform all the functions you previously recorded. When the macro is finished running, you are placed in the position you would normally be placed in if you had performed the functions manually. For example, if you set a macro to open your e-mail and check for new mail, when it has finished executing, you are placed in your inbox with the focus on the first unread message.

13.12.3 The Macro Manager

The "Macro Manager" allows you to execute and manage macros you have previously created. The "Macro Manager" is located in the "Utilities" menu, just above the "Upgrade" option. To open the "Macro Manager", from the main menu, press "U (dots-1-3-6)" to open the "Utilities" menu. Navigate to "Macro Manager" and press "Enter" or press "M (dots-1-3-4)" from the "Utilities" menu to quickly jump to and open the "Macro Manager. You can also open the "Macro Manager" from anywhere on the unit using "F2-L (dots-1-2-3)". 
The "Macro Manager" dialog consists of the following items: Macro Name List, "Delete Macro", "Rename Macro", "Execute Macro", and a "Close" button.
The Macro Name List is a list of all the macros you have created. To execute a macro, press "Enter" on the macro you wish to execute, or Tab to "Execute Macro" and press "Enter". As previously described, you can also execute a macro from anywhere on the unit by pressing "F2-E". To delete a macro, navigate to the macro you wish to delete in the list, Tab to "Delete Macro" and press "Enter". You can also press "Space-D" when the macro you want to delete is focused. You can rename a macro by focusing the macro you wish to rename, and selecting the "Rename Macro" option. When you press "Enter" on this option, you are placed in an edit box in which you can type the new macro file name, with the current name displayed. To rename the macro, edit the current name or type a new one, and press "Enter".


13.13 Hot Keys for Utilities

Calculator: c (dots 1-4)
Calculator Clear: Backspace-c (dots 1-4)
Delete numbers or operators: Backspace

General functions: Enter-g (dots 1-2-4-5)
PLUS: dots 3-4-6
Minus: dots 3-6
Division: dots 3-4
Multiplication: dots 1-6
Percent: dots 1-4-6
Power: Backspace-4-5
Square Root: Enter-q (dots 1-2-3-4-5)
Decimal Point: dots 4-6
Left Parenthesis: dots 1-2-3-5-6
Right Parenthesis: dots 2-3-4-5-6
PI: Enter-p (dots 1-2-3-4)
Exp: Enter-e (dots 1-5)

Memory Functions:
Recall Items: Backspace-r (dots 1-2-3-5)
Delete all saved items: Enter-d (dots 1-4-5)
Save Items: Backspace-s (dots 2-3-4)

Trigonometric Functions: Enter-s (dots 2-3-4)
Sine: Enter-s (dots 2-3-4), s (dots 2-3-4)
Arc Sine: Enter-s (dots 2-3-4), a (dot 1)
Hyperbolic Sine: Enter-s (dots 2-3-4), h (dots 1-2-5)
Cosine: Enter-i (dots 2-4), i (dots 2-4)
Arc Cosine: Enter-c (dots 1-4), a (dot 1)
Hyperbolic Cosine: Enter-c (dots 1-4), h (dots 1-2-5)
Tangent: Enter-t (dots 2-3-4-5), t (dots 2-3-4-5)
Arc Tangent: Enter-t (dots 2-3-4-5), a (dot 1)
Hyperbolic Tangent: Enter-t (dots 2-3-4-5), h (dots 1-2-5)

Logarithm Functions: Enter-l (dots 1-2-3)
Natural Logarithm: Enter-l (dots 1-2-3), e (dots 1-5)
Common Logarithm: Enter-l (dots 1-2-3), n (dots 1-3-4-5)

Copy to Clipboard: Enter-c (dots 1-4)

Option Settings: Enter-o (dots 1-3-5)


Check date and time: Space-t (dots 2-3-4-5)

Calendar: l (dots 1-2-3)
Move items
Move to the previous item: Tab (Space-4-5)
Move to the next item: Shift-tab (Space-1-2)

Navigation keys for date in calendar
Move to the next day: Space-6
Move to the previous day: Space-3
Move to the next week: Space-5
Move to the previous week: Space-2
Move to the next month: Space-4
Move to the previous month: Space-1
Move to the next year: Space-5-6
Move to the previous year: Space-2-3

Stopwatch: w (dots 2-4-5-6)
Stopwatch start, pause, restart: enter
Check the elapsed time: Backspace
Stop displaying time: Space-F2
Restart displaying time: Space-F2
Switch among stopwatch and countdown timer: "tab (Space-4-5)" or "shift-tab (Space-1-2)"
Count down timer pause or restart: enter
Count down timer Clear: Backspace
Exit stopwatch or countdown timer: Space-z (dots 1-3-5-6)

Display power status: Space-1-6

Display network status: Space-n (dots 1-3-4-5)

Format: Hold Space-1-2-3 and press and release "Reset"

Set Sleep Timer: Space-j (dots 2-4-5)

Upgrade Braille Sense PLUS Firmware: u (dots 1-3-6)
Check download progress: Space-i (dots 2-4)
Cancel download and exit: Space-z (dots 1-3-5-6)