Focus 40 Blue with VoiceOver

By Robert Spangler, 12 August, 2013

Forum
macOS and Mac Apps
Hello all, I just recently got a MacBook Pro and have been enjoying the new experience. I am, however, attempting to use a Focus 40 (or focus 40 Blue - I'm not exactly sure which one it is) with VoiceOver with minimal success. My issues are as follows: 1. When I plug it in via USB to the Mac, I am able to control VoiceOver with it utilizing the controls on the display unit but no Braille is showing up on the display itself. It did, eventually, show up last night and I was reading documents with it just fine; however, it did not come on right away and I'm not sure what I did to make it work. Now, I'm having the same issue--I can control VO with it but I'm getting no Braille. 2. I am unable to connect via Bluetooth. This is not a big deal, as I am fine with using USB, but it would be nice to be able to use the device wirelessly. when I tried to connect it, within the VO utility, it showed the dialog asking for the connection code for a second then it disappeared. I read in the documentation for the display that I need to change the Bluetooth name of the device, removing the MAC part but the directions given in the documentation don't seem to be working. I am able to get Braille by unplugging it from the computer and pressing the power button for three seconds. It shows: "Focus 40 4.53 batt:100%" but I get nothing when attempting to enter the menu on the device with dots 1-7-4-8 cord. Any information that you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Robert

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Comments

By Robert Spangler on Wednesday, August 7, 2013 - 23:20

The VoiceOver utility shows it as a Focus 40 Blue, just to clear that up.

Hi robert. First off, I have one as well and I can tell what's wrong. Mine didn't disapear, but I had the same unit until they updated the firmware. I think you need to go to freedomscientific to find the download of it. If you want me to look I can try. I had it ages back but computters and things have made the utility gone. My only concern with the display and this is why I stopped using it, was that when reading braille, it seemed to be all smushed together with an underline or something across the bottom of the display. so something like this is written in braille would fee, if that makes sense squished with a line of jiberish on the botom. If anyone else can help, I'd be interested. I'll take a look for that robert and I'll contact your via the contact form ok? Siobhan

By Robert Spangler on Wednesday, August 7, 2013 - 23:20

Thanks for your reply. I would greatly appreciate anything you could find. I did notice the line of dashes under what I was reading when I had it working; I wonder if this could be disabled by turning off the option to use dots 7 and 8 as the cursor? I didn't see it smashed together, though. Otherwise, I do have an old MPower lying around but I'm not sure that can pair with VO.

By Siobhan on Wednesday, August 7, 2013 - 23:20

Hi. First off, I'm so sorry for the attrotious spelling I used in the last comment. I should read before Isend, a habbit I'm afraid I didn't pick up. Second, I can't find the firmware. I don't know what i did withit. Third, I wonder if that might work the turning off of the cursor. I shoulduse it again. Good luck. Siobhan P.s. if you find anthing else, shoot me an email with the contact form.

By lelia on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 - 23:20

Hi I am wondering if it is possible to automatically scroll or read continuously with an iPhone 4 s with the latest update and a focus 40 blue with the latest firmware? Just to clarify, I want to be able to read without always having to use my panning buttons. thanks O and just so you know I am a very very new user of a Braille display. thanks lelia