Orbit Writer Review/Podcasting notes
 
Product Name:
 
Orbit Writer.
 
Manufacturer:
 
Orbit Research.
 
Website:
 
https://www.orbitresearch.com/product/orbit-writer/
 
Email:
 
information@orbitresearch.com.
 
Brief Product Description:
 
The Orbit Writer is a compact and portable Braille input Perkins style keypad that can access a range of mobile and desktop operating systems as an actual keyboard or with their associated screen readers supports up to 5 Bluetooth devices and one UsB device.
Haptic feedback for settings, and features.
If you know the layout of the Orbit Reader 20 Braille notetaker and Braille display, then you know the layout of the Orbit Writer keyboard.
NB - Braille input keyboard, no Braille display or speech output.
 
Documentation:
 
Extremely well written.
Documentation in brf, doc, pdf, and html formats.
Website for documentation - https://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-writer-support/
 
Dimensions:
 
16.0x 6.5 x 0.8 CM.
90 Grams.
 
In the Box:
 
Orbit Writer,
micro UsB cable,
And getting started in print and Braille.
 
Physical Description:
 
6 Braille input Perkins style keys top back face. 
Cursor pad inbetween and slightly below dot 1 and dot 4 keys with up, down, left and right in a circle, and select key in middle.
Dot 7, Space and dot 8 keys at top front middle face.
Lanyard port front middle edge.
Micro UsB port middle left edge.
4 round rubber feet on bottom corners.
 
Main Features:
 
Works with all smart phones and computers out of the box.
Light weight, and  Compact design to fit in a pocket or purse.
Quiet operation with positive tactile feedback.
Perkins style keyboard with cursor pad.
Replaces need to use touch screen.
Fast charging (less than 2 hours), 3 days of use.
Check battery strength.
Supports up to 5 Bluetooth devices, and 1 UsB device.
Adjust strength of Haptic feedback.
Adjust auto shut down time.
Attachment points for strap or lanyard.
Support for all languages on phones or tablets.
 
Battery/Charging:
 
3 days of operation.
Fully charge under 2 hours.
Charge from USB adapter (not supplied) or computer.
When power plugged in, short vibration,  when removed long vibration (whether unit is on or off).
Can be used whilst charging.
Rechargeable and non replaceable batteries.
When unit  gets down to 20% charge, 3 short pulses every 3 minutes.
If battery too low when turning on, unit will automatically shut down.
 
Confirm battery charge: press and hold Space+Up Arrow for 1 second.
1 short pulse if battery level between 0 and 20%.
2 short pulses if battery level between 20% and 40%.
3 short pulses if battery level between 40% and 60%.
4 short pulses if battery between 60% and 80%.
Long pulse if battery level is grater than 80%.
Auto shut down to save battery can be adjusted, default is 10 minutes.
 
Tips  for Initial Orbit Writer Operation:
 
Turn on/off - hold Down/Up for 1 second, short pulse for on, long pulse for off.
 
Pair to 5 Bluetooth and 1 USB channel.
Channel 1 (default) - Space+Left+1.
Channel 2 - Space+Left+2.
Channel 3 - Space+Left+3.
Channel 4 - Space+Right+4.
Channel 5 - Space+Right+5.
Channel 6 (UsB) - Space+Right+6.
If channel not previously paired, 3 short pulses
If channel paired: 2 short pulses
Pair channel: hold down command (Space+Left+ChannelNumber) for 1 second to feel short pulse (now in paring mode plus overwrite previous pairing if present).
In some situations, reconnecting via Bluetooth may take up to 10 seconds.
 
Connecting to a Mobile Device Example -
 
iOS VoiceOver:
 
Turn on Orbit Writer - Down+Up for 1 second (short pulse).
Place Orbit Writer in pairing mode (channel 1 is default if used for first time). Otherwise, press Space+Left+2 (3 4 or 5) for 1 second, short pulse.
Goto Settings, VoiceOver, Braille, and select Orbit Writer xx (were XX is the serial number of the Orbit Writer).
When paired, short pulse.
When iOS device is locked, Orbit Writer disconnects, 2 short pulses.
When iOS device unlocked, Orbit Writer will reconnect, 2 short pu