DECTalk USB Users Manual Access Solutions 4536 Edison Avenue Sacramento, CA 95821 Web: www.axsol.com E-Mail: support@axsol.com Customer Support: (916) 481-3559 The information in this publication is subject to change without notice. Axsol, Inc. DBA Access Solutions reserves the right to make changes without notice to this, or any of its products, to improve reliability, performance, or design. Axsol, INC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR TECHNICAL OR EDITORIAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS CONTAINED HERIN, NOR FOR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE FURNISHING, PERFORMANCE, OR USE OF THIS MATERIAL. THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND Axsol, INC. EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY EXPRESS, STATUTORY, OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. This publication contains information protected by copyright. This publication shall not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in a retrieval system, nor its contents used for any purpose, without the prior written consent of Axsol, Inc. Axsol, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the use of any circuitry other than the circuitry that is part of a product of Axsol, Inc. Axsol, Inc. does not convey to the purchaser of the product described herein any license under the exclusive rights of Axsol, Inc. nor the rights of others. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) CLASS-B WARNING. This device generates and uses radio frequency energy. If not installed and used properly, the device may interfere with radio or television reception. FCC COMPLIANCE - This device has been tested and certified to comply with the limits for a Class-B digital device, as defined in part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules. Class-B limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against radio/television interference in a residence. This product is in conformity with the following directives and/or standards: 89/336/EEC on the Electromagnetic Compatibility of Information Technology Equipment using the following standards: EN55022:1998 Class B Limits and methods of Measurement of Radio Interference Characteristics of Information Technology Equipment. EN55024:1998 A1:2001 A2:2003 Electromagnetic Compatibility - Generic immunity standard - Part 1: Residential, commercial and light industry. 93/68/EEC on the labeling of equipment. The DECtalk USB is supplied with a full speed USB cable and a standard 9 pin serial cable for connecting the unit to a computer system. Both these cables are equipped with an in-line filter. The DECtalk USB must only be used with cables that incorporate a similar in-line filter. To comply with FCC regulations, you must use shielded cables with this device. Operation with unapproved equipment or unshielded cables is likely to result in interference with radio or television reception. Changes made to this device without the approval of Axsol, Inc. could void your authority to operate the device. The device may cause interference even though it meets Class-B limits. (As a test, turn the device off and on, and gauge the effect on an operating radio or television.) If there is interference, try to eliminate it by one or more of the following measures: Re-orientating or relocating the receiving antenna of the radio or television. Increasing the separation between the device and receiver. Connecting the device into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consulting the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions. CAUTION - ELECTRIC SHOCK AND FIRE HAZARD: This unit is for indoor use only, and is to be powered only by the supplied AC power supply. Never allow the wiring or connector attached to the battery to become damaged or shorted, for this can result in ignition or explosion of the battery. Avoid operation in extremely moist or humid environments. FOR USE WITH A CERTIFIED POWER SUPPLY, WITH CLASS 2 OUTPUT; RATED OUTPUT 6.0Vdc, 500mA min. Input: 120vac 60Hz, 7.5W Output: 6.0Vdc 500ma UL: E175399, 3D81 Manf: Xicon Part#: 106054 There are no user-serviceable components inside the DECtalk USB. Opening the unit may present a shock hazard, and any modification to the product will void your guarantee. If water or any other liquid gets accidentally spilled on the unit, turn the unit off and disconnect all cables. Wipe the unit down with a dry cloth and allow the unit to dry out for several hours. If the unit fails to operate correctly, contact Access Solutions for further assistance. Table of Contents Section 1.0 - Introduction Section 1.1 - System Requirements Section 1.2 - Installation Section 1.3 - Installation Problems Section 1.4 - Screen Access Driver Support Section 1.5 - Trouble Shooting Section 1.6 - Advanced Features Section 1.7 - Specifications Section 1.0 INTRODUCTION The DECTalk USB is a serial text to speech synthesizer capable of being connected to a computer via a standard USB or RS232 serial port. Taking advantage of todays modern technology, the DecTalk USB is a state of the art text to speech synthesizer that presently is capable of speaking in six different languages, fully software configurable and updatable, light weight and portable, and delivers a quality of speech that you would only expect from DECtalk. Unlike most serial synthesizers, the DecTalk USB takes full advantage of the high speed transfer rates of the USB bus. In simple terms, start and stop speech commands to the synthesizer appear to be instantaneous. As an added bonus, the DECTalk USB comes equipt with a standard RS232 serial port for use with computers or equippment that does not offer USB support. The on board RS232 serial port is fully backwards compatible with the older DecTalk Express. In other words, the DecTalk USB may be used as a direct replacement for the older retired DECtalk Express. A slide switch located on the righthand end of the synthesizer is used to switch between USB and RS232 modes respectively. When the slide switch is slid toward the back of the unit, you are in USB mode. With the slide switch slid toward the front of the unit, you are in RS232 mode. With a user replaceable 9 volt battery, Your DECTalk USB is capable of operateing for 1 hour on a standard RS232 serial port before an external power source is required. The DecTalk USB has 9 predefined voices, software adjustable volume levels, speed, pitch, treble, bass, and is fully configurable to meet your listening preferences. In addition, parameters such as articulation, punctuation filtering, and intonation are also adjustable. It is important to note that these settings may be limited by certain software packages such as screen access programs. Supported Languages: The DecTalk USB is a serial text to speech synthesizer that converts standard ASCII or Unicode text into highly intelligible and natural sounding speech. Supported languages include U.S. English, U.K. English, Castilian Spanish, Latin-American Spanish, German, and French. Speech Engine: Powered by Fonix DecTalk, the DecTalk USB utilizes a high performance 150Mhz Motorola DragonBall processor in conjunction with 32MB of SDram to execute its embedded software speech engine. With 16MB of flash memory, the DecTalk USB is able to store six different language modules as well as user dictionaries for each spoken language. Software Updatable: The DecTalk USB is fully programmable and may be updated while in the field. Since the speech engine of the DecTalk USB is a software embedded solution, enhancements to the speech engine are easily upgradable. Audio Output: The DecTalk USB is equipped with an internal 63mm 1 watt speaker for delivering its excellent synthesized speech output. Volume levels are adjustable via a side mount rotary thumb wheel or by software control. In addition, a eighth inch stereo jack is located on the side of the unit for use with headphones or, with an additional adapter, power speakers respectivly. Connectivity, Connectors and Controls: The DECtalk USB may be connected to an IBM or compatible computer using a full speed USB cable or a standard RS232 serial cable. Selection of which port is active, either the USB or RS232 port, is controlled via a slide switch located on the side of the unit. With the controls and connectors labeled counter clockwise around the unit and starting with the thumb wheel, the controls and connectors are as follows: 1. Volume-On/Off thumb wheel 2. Headphone jack 3. USB/RS232 mode switch 4. Nine pin RS232 serial port (DCE) 5. USB serial port (full speed 1.1) 6. D.C power jack Software: With support for Windows 98/ME/2k/XP , the DECTalk USB is easy to install and ready to start speaking. All the software necessary for installation and supporting many of todays' most popular screen readers is included. Access Solutions continues to develop drivers for many of todays most popular screen access programs. For more information, contact Access Solutions technical support team at (916) 481-3559 or email us at support.axsol.com. Section 1.1 System Requirements The DECTalk USB is designed to operate in an IBM or compatible micro computer with a USB or standard RS232 serial port. If you are not sure if your computer is equipped with a USB or RS232 port, we recommend contacting your computer vendor or refer to your computers' user manual. Currently the DECTalk USB functions with Windows 98/ME/2k/XP. In addition, the DECtalk USB has Dos box support under windows 98. Section 1.2 Installation It is strongly recommended that a qualified technician performs the hardware and software installation needed to get your new DECTalk USB up and running. Access Solutions does not warrant products that are damaged due to improper handling or faulty installation. To install the DECTalk USB, follow the two procedures listed below: Hardware Procedure: USB Connection - 1. Make sure the DECTalk USB is turned off. This is done by turning the thumb wheel counter clockwise until a click is heard. 2. MAKE SURE THE SLIDE SWITCH LOCATED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE UNIT IS POSITIONED TOWARDS THE BACK OF THE UNIT. I.E AWAY FROM THE HEADPHONE JACK OR VOLUME KNOB. 3. Boot your computer to a standard windows desktop. 4. Connect the USB cable, included in your installation kit, from the DECTalk USB to one of the USB ports located on the back of your computer. Keep in mind that some computers have several USB ports. Any of these ports will work. RS232 Serial Port Connection - If you plan to use the RS232 serial port on your DECTalk USB, it is strongly recommended that you exit all programs and turn your machine off before connecting the serial cable from your unit to your computer. 1. Make sure the DECTalk USB is turned off. This is done by turning the thumb wheel counter clockwise until a click is heard. 2. Position the slide switch located on the right side of the unit towards the headphone jack. 3. Locate the 9 pin streight through serial cable and connect it from the DECTalk USB to one of the serial ports on the back of your computer. 4. Insert the female barrel connector of the D.C adapter, included in your installation kit, into the power jack located on your unit. If you plan to connect both the USB and serial cables from the DECTalk USB to your computer, the D.C adapter is not required. It is important to note that your new DECTalk USB contains a 9 volt alkaline battery that is user replaceable. The purpose of this battery is to supply power to the unit while operating the unit solely on the RS232 serial port. Located on the bottom left hand side of the unit is a rectangular cover that closes off the battery compartment. Using an index finger, gently press down on the ribbed end of the battery cover and slide the cover in the direction away from the volume knob or headphone jack. This will expose the Eveready 9 volt alkaline battery that ships with the unit. Software Driver Installation Procedure: USB Windows Driver Support - 1. Make sure you are on the windows desktop. 2. Make sure the USB/RS232 mode switch is positioned towards the back of the unit. 3. Turn your DECTalk USB on by turning the thumb wheel clockwise. 4. When the Add New Hardware Wizard comes up informing you that a DECTalk USB has been detected, insert the DECTalk USB installation Disk into your CD drive and press Enter. 5. When prompted for whether or not windows should search for the best driver for this device, select the radio button that allows windows to search for the best driver for this device and press Enter. 6. Next, check the check box labeled "Specify a Location". 7. In the edit box, type the name of your CD drive, for example "D:" and press Enter. 8. The add new hardware wizard will inform you that the Access Solutions DECTalk USB has been found. Just press Enter. 9. Once you have reached this point, the add new hardware wizard should inform you that it has successfully installed all the necessary files needed for supporting your new DECTalk USB. Just press Enter and you are all done. 10. Remove the DECTalk USB installation disk from your CD drive. 11. Reboot your system so changes may take effect. RS232 Serial Port Driver Support - It is not necessary to install any drivers for RS232 serial port support. Section 1.3 Installation Problems USB Installation Problems - The DECTalk USB is a fully compliant USB Plug and Play device that does not require an IRQ when operating on the USB bus. If you are having trouble installing the necessary files needed for supporting your DECTalk USB as a USB device, try the following: 1. Make sure the supplied USB cable included in your installation kit is used to connect the DECTalk USB to your computer. Since the DECTalk USB is a full speed USB device, use of low speed USB cables may cause loss of data and installation problems. 2. Make sure your DECTalk USB is turned on before trying to install software. 3. Make sure the USB/RS232 mode switch is slid towards the back of the unit for USB mode. 4. From within Device Manager, expand the folder labeled "Universal Serial Bus Controllers". Make sure you have at least two entries labeled simular to the following: A. USB Root Hub B. PCI to USB Universal Host Controller If you do not have a folder under Device Manager labeled "Universal Serial Bus Controllers", USB support is either turned off in your bios or your computer may not support USB. Consult your computers' user manual to verify bios settings and USB support. RS232 Serial Port Installation Problems - If you are having trouble getting your DECTalk USB to function on a communication port, try the following: 1. Make sure both ends of the serial cable connecting your computer to the DECTalk USB are seated well in their respective connectors. 2. Make sure the USB/RS232 mode switch is positioned towards the headphone jack and or volume thumb wheel. 3. Plug in the D.C adapter to insure the unit has adequate power. This can also be accomplished by connecting the USB cable from the DECTalk USB to your computer. If you are still having trouble after trying the above suggestions, it is recommended that you contact Access Solutions technical support team at (916) 481-3559. You may also Email us at support@axsol.com. Section 1.4 Screen Access Driver Support If you have already installed all the necessary files needed for running your DECTalk USB as a USB device, you are ready to configure your favorite windows screen reader to operate with your new DECTalk USB. Currently, the DECtalk USB may only be used as a DECtalk Express. Access Solutions apologizes for this inconvenience and assures the customer that USB driver support for some of your most popular screen readers will be released shortly. In the mean time, you may use your DECtalk USB as a DECtalk Express as follows: Position the USB/RS232 mode switch towards the headphone jack and or volume thumb wheel. Next, select the "DECtalk Express" from your screen readers' synthesizer selection menu. Note: In most cases you will need to select and configure the communication port the DECtalk USB is connected to. The communication port should be setup with the following parameters: baud rate = 9600 parity = none data bits = 8 stop bits = 1 flow control = Xon/Xoff Section 1.5 Trouble Shooting If you are having trouble getting your DECTalk USB to install or work properly, here are a few suggestions that may help. 1. First review sections 1.1 through 1.3 of this user manual. 2. Make sure the thunb wheel on the unit is turned about half way up. Turn the thumb wheel clockwise to increase volume. 3. If you are using a screen access software package, make sure volume levels are not set to low. 4. Make sure all cables are attached correctly and their respective connectors are properly seated. If you are still having trouble and have followed the steps shown above, it is recommended that you contact Access Solutions technical support team for further assistance. Refer to the beginning of this user manual for contact information. Section 1.6 Advanced Features If you are a software developer you are in luck! Access Solutions offers a free developer kit that contains all the tools needed for writing software to talk to the DECTalk USB. We do not include this information in this user manual because it is far to boring and beyond the imagination of the average user. If you are interested in obtaining the developer kit, feel free to contact Access Solutions' technical support team for more information. Section 1.7 Specifications Power: A.C Adaptor - Input: 120vac 60Hz, 7.5W Output: 6.0Vdc 500ma UL: E175399, 3D81 Manf: Xicon Part#: 106054 Max power consumption - P_max = 1.32W @5Vdc Max current consumption - I_max = 400ma @5Vdc Continuous average supply current - I_avg = 141ma, not speaking, using 6Vdc adapter. Continuous average usb supply current - I_usb_avg = 137ma @5Vdc Max input supply voltage - V_sup=9Vdc, typical 6Vdc from supplied A.C. to D.C. adapter. Max USB input voltage - V_usb_max 5.5Vdc Minimum USB supply voltage - V_usb_min 4.4Vdc Battery: Manf: Eveready Type - Alkaline Batery voltage - 9Vdc Audio: f_ch = 100Hz; @6db/octive f_cl = 5.5Khz; @12db/octive f_pb - 5.40Khz SPL - 92db ~6" on axium, Rl=4 ohm Pwrm_audio - Max audio output power - 625mW; @Vdd=3.3v, Rl=4 ohm Headphone impedance - Zhd = ~75 ohms Connectivity: RS232 Port - Data communication equipment (DCE device) USB Port - Full speed USB (12Mbps) Operating Temperature - 0C - 70C Dimensions - 5.5"x3.6"x1.1" Weight - ~8 Ounces without battery installed Copyright (c) 2000-2004 by Axsol Inc. Copyright (c) 2001-2004 by Fonix Corporation. All rights reserved. The Axsol logo and Access Solutions are trademarks of Axsol Inc. The Fonix logo and DECtalk are trademarks of Fonix Corporation Inc. The Motorola logo and DragonBall are trademarks of Motorola Inc.