ViewPlus Logo


ViewPlus Pro Embosser Manual
Revision: 20070308






























Table of Contents


I.   Introduction

A.  Preface

B.  FCC Compliance Statement

C.  Safety Instructions

II.   General Information

A.  Specifications

B.  Software Driver

III.   Installation

A.  Items in Box

B.  Unpacking

C.  Cable Attachment

D.  Software Installation

IV.   Operator Panel

A.  Function

B.  Display Messages

C.  Main Menu

D.  Embosser Mode

E.  Advanced Menu

F.  Custom Menu

G.  Alignment Menu

H.  Interface Menu

V.   Paper Handling

A.  Paper Loading Standard Tractor Feed Paper

B.  Other Options

VI.   Braille

A.  Fonts

B.  ViewPlus Tiger Software Suite

VII.   Printing First Documents

A.  Printing

B.  Printer Properties

C.  Interpoint Printing

D.  Other Printing Features

E.  Embosser Mode Settings

VIII.   Accessories and Support Packages

A.  List of Accessories

B.  Other Software Packages

C.  Training and Support Packages

IX.   Maintenance and Warranty

A.  Extended Warranty and Maintenance Plan

B.  Maintenance

C.  Warranty









I. Introduction

A.   Preface

ViewPlus Pro Embosser
Powered By Tiger
Owner's Manual
 
Congratulations on owning a ViewPlus Pro tactile graphics and braille embosser!  The ViewPlus Pro is capable of 20 dots-per-inch with variable heights resolution.  The ViewPlus Pro expands the new world of tactile graphics and complex information originally opened for blind people by the pioneering ViewPlus Tiger Advantage embosser.
 
The ViewPlus Pro comes with the Tiger Windows printer driver that automatically translates text into any of a number of braille fonts and reproduces line and block graphics as crisp high-resolution tactile images. 
 
Use the Tiger Software Suite to take braille translation and tactile graphics to a new level. The Tiger Formatter is a Microsoft add-in that gives you advanced tools for translation and embossing. Tiger Designer enables basic editing of documents for quick drawing and braille needs. Translator serves as a basic translation tool for almost any Windows software- including PowerPoint and Corel Draw.

Keep up to date by checking the ViewPlus Technologies, Inc. Internet site at:
http://www.ViewPlus.com  
 
 
 
 
Model Number 161704
USER'S Manual
 
 
 
 

 


B.   FCC Compliance Statement

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT (USA)

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

FCC Warning: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Note the following:

COMPLIANCE STATEMENT (CANADA)

This digital apparatus is in conformity with standard NMB-003 of Canada.

Cet appareil num?rique est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

COMPLIANCE STATEMENT (GERMANY)

Bescheinigung des Herstellers/Importeurs:

Hiermit wird bescheinigt, dass der Drucker der Maschinenlärminformationsverordnung 3. GSGV, 18.01.1991 entspricht: Der höchste Schalldruckpegel beträgt 70 dB(A) oder weniger gemäß EN27779-1991.

COMPLIANCE STATEMENT (EUROPE)

Warning: This product meets the interference requirements of EN55022. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference in which case, the user may be required to take adequate measures.

COMPLIANCE STATEMENT (KOREA)

This apparatus complies with CISPR22 requirement

INTERNATIONAL COMPLIANCE
 

 

EN55022:1994 - Emissions series
EN55024:1998 - Immunity characteristics
EN61000-3-2:1995 - Power line harmonics
EN61000-3-3:1995 - Power line flicker
EN61000-4-2:1995 - Electrostatic discharge
EN61000-4-3:1995 - Radiated susceptibility
EN61000-4-4:1995 - Electrical fast transient/burst
EN61000-4-5:1995 - Surge
EN61000-4-6:1996 - Conducted immunity
EN61000-4-11:1994 - Input voltage interruptions/DIPS


C.   Safety Instructions

Read all of these safety instructions before using the printer.  In addition, follow all warnings and instructions marked on the printer itself.
 





II. General Information

A.   Specifications

Character Sets
DotsPlus™
Braille         ( U.S. Standard, German,
                      Italian, French, Spanish  )
Paper Feed Method
front load continuous form
stack sheet feeder optional
additional front pull tractor optional
Paper Maximum Thickness
Maximum 0.635mm (0.025 inches)
Paper Width
up to 17 inches
Power Supply Universal
    
From 100 to 230 VAC (+ 10/-15%)
Current rating: 2.9 to 1.3 A
Frequency: 50/60  ? 1Hz
Power Consumption
Standby 28 W; Average Print 100 W
Reliability Requirements
     Workload
     Service Life
 
35,000 pages/month
5 years or 10000 hours
Embosser Dimensions
     Width
     Depth
     Height
     Weight
 
26.38 in. (670 mm)
18.11 in. (460 mm)
12.6 in. (320 mm)
44.35 lbs. (21 kg)
Interfaces
     Parallel
 
 
     Serial
 
 
 
     USB
Receive buffer: 64 kByte
Centronics compatible bi-directional (IEEE1284 nibble mode)
36 pin connector, 8 data-bits
RS-232C, 25 pin connector
Baud rate: 2400 to 38400 bps,
7/8 data bits
Flow control: XonXoff, RTS/CTS
Universal Serial Bus Revision 1.1 compliant interface
Non-isochronous transfer rates up to 1.5Mbps
Operating Conditions
     Temperature
     Relative Humidity
 
10? to 40? C
10% to 90% RH (non condensing)


B.   Software Driver

ViewPlus, powered by Tiger, driver designed for Windows 2000/XP is included with your ViewPlus embosser.  Refer to the installation section for instructions.

 





III. Installation

A.   Items in Box



B.   Unpacking


Illustration of the shipment lock
 
There is an additional lock between the motor and the case that can be reached by opening the top cover.
 
 
 
 


C.   Cable Attachment

  • Make sure the power switch is in the Off or "O" position.
  • Attach data cables.
    • Attach the USB cable provided with your embosser.
    • A parallel printer data cable of the appropriate length may to be purchased (maximum of ten feet).
    • Attach one end of the parallel data cable to the printer port of the host computer, and then attach the other end to the embosser.  The printer parallel connection is located on the back lower left side of the embosser. Be sure to use the data cable clips, as the cable may otherwise come loose and present problems.
    • The serial connector may be used.  If you use this connection, be sure to set the parameters for the device on ViewPlus Pro in the interface menu    

 Shows the parallel, serial and USB connectors on the left side of the back
  
  • Insert the power cable plug into the printer connector and the other end of the power cable into a grounded outlet.
 
Shows the location of power cable plug on the right side of the back
   
  • Turn the printer on by pressing the power switch to the On or "I" position.  The back part of the switch should be pressed down.

 
 Shows the power switch
 
 
 
 




D.   Software Installation

Please follow the easy steps that are part of your Setup Instructions to install your Tiger driver.  They can also be found on your installation CD.
 





IV. Operator Panel

A.   Function

 
 
 
(The buttons are described from left to right order.)
  • Path - This button is used to select the paper path.  You can choose the lower tractor feeder, upper tractor feeder or the single sheet feeder.  The single sheet feeder and the upper tractor feed are optional.  You cannot switch unless the optional paper sources are installed.  An LED light displays the chosen path.  If autoperforation is turned on for the paper path, the corresponding LED is blinking.  Paper paths may be selected from the computer for printing; however, when moving paper from the embosser, the desired paper path must be selected from the embosser.
  • Tear - Paper will move forward so that you can tear and remove the printed sheets. Then push Load button to return the paper to the ready position. When this function is enabled the ViewPlus Pro will go offline.
  • Menu - This is a button with an LCD screen. It has a green LED light, which is lit when the Main Menu is accessed. Various configurations and options can be set in the Main Menu.  Menu functions will be discussed in the next section.
  • Park (Select) - The park function is used to eject paper from the path currently in use.  Within the Main Menu this button is used to select items.
  • Up - Up moves paper forward when Offline, or navigates up through the options in the Main Menu.  When the ViewPlus Pro is in the ready state, this button increases the volume of the speech.
  • Down -Down moves the paper back when Offline, or navigates down through the Main Menu options.  When the ViewPlus Pro is in the ready state, this button decreases the volume.
  • Load (Back) - Using this button will move the paper from the path currently selected forward to the correct position to begin printing (ready position).  This button will always return the paper to the ready position.  This function is enabled only when the ViewPlus Pro is offline.  Within the Main Menu this button will back you out of submenus. 
  • Speak - Press this button to get a status message from the embosser, which gives information about the currently used paper path settings.  This button also allows access to the operator panel via speech.  If you hold the Speak button down and press any of the control panel buttons, their functions will be spoken.   To exit this function, release the Speak button.
  • Online - Toggle to take embosser on or off line.  Has a green LED light, which is lit when the embosser is online and blinking when the embosser receives data. Pressing this button during printing will stop the print job.


B.   Display Messages

There are many displayed and spoken messages when various options and functions are accessed.  The following messages describe the operating status of the ViewPlus Pro.
(Listed first will be the words shown on the LCD display, and then in parenthesis the spoken text will be written if they are different.)
 
  • Ready will be the first thing to be displayed on the operator panel after start up messages.  This is displayed when ViewPlus Pro is ready to print a file.   The embosser is online.
  • Offline will be displayed when the embosser is neither online nor in the menus.  If data is send to the embosser in offline mode the embosser starts beeping. If you then press Online the embosser will print the incoming print job
  • Waiting is displayed while the embosser is receiving a print job from the computer.
  • Printing is displayed while the embosser is in printer mode and embossing a print job.  Once the print job has begun the page number currently printing is displayed.
  • Embossing is displayed while the embosser is in embossing mode and embossing a print job.
  • Table Downloaded is displayed in embosser mode when a braille table has been downloaded.
  • No paper present is displayed when the ViewPlus Pro does not detect paper after a print job has been sent. 
  • Resume? Load(Press load to resume printing) will be displayed when the ViewPlus Pro cannot finish a print job because there is no paper or a paper jam on the sheet feeder.  Load paper, press Load and the print job will resume.  Press Online to cancel the print job.
  • Unable to print (Unable to print, try Braille embosser mode) is displayed when an improperly formatted file is sent to the ViewPlus Pro in printer mode.
  • Housing is open! (Caution, Housing is Open) is displayed when the top lid of the ViewPlus Pro is open.
  • Invalid Paper Path is displayed if the paper path selected for the print job in the print properties is not available.
  • Alignment Error is displayed if the alignment of the embosser doesn't work.  The spoken message says vertical or horizontal alignment error.  Note: The alignment can fail if the sensor is covered with paper, which doesn't happen during normal use of embosser.  To clear the sensor open the top cover of the embosser and remove all paper what is not sitting correctly in the paper path. Then try printing again. After many print jobs are completed, the sensor may need cleaning.  Please look in the maintenance section for cleaning details.  If the alignment error appears continuously, contact ViewPlus support.
  • No More Data is displayed if the print job cannot be completed due to lack of data.
  • Print Aborted is displayed if the print job is aborted by using the Online button.
  • Paper Jam (Paper jam, remove paper from path) is displayed if the embosser cannot free the paper paths before moving paper to top of form.  Remove paper from the path manually.


C.   Main Menu

Main Menu can be displayed by pressing the Menu button.  In the menu any option or submenu can be entered by pressing the Select button.  The Up and Down keys will scroll through options.  To back out of a submenu to the previous menu, press the Back/Load button.  To exit entirely out of the menus press the Menu button.  To go directly to Ready, press the Online button instead of the Menu button. Any changes or selections in the main menu will be confirmed with the message “Parameters saved” when leaving the menu.  If you don't see this message, the parameters will remain unchanged.  Pressing the Speak button while in the Main Menu will repeat the last spoken message.
 
Default Parameters can be restored.  If you need this feature, hold down the Menu button while turning the embosser on.  This is the menu for this function
  • DEFAULT PARMS (Set Default User Parameters)
    • Confirm? SELECT (Select to Confirm) Press Select/Park to set default parameters. Any other key will cancel this procedure.
  • Parms Saved (Parameters saved)
    • The embosser will then continue its normal start up.
USER MENU
  • Perforate?SELECT(Select to perforate paper now) ??" Perforates paper immediately.
  • Paper type (Select to set paper type) - The punch force has different default settings depending on the thickness of the paper. 
    • Braille paper - This is the default setting. 
    • VP roll paper (ViewPlus Roll paper) - This setting is for the ViewPlus 17 inch wide roll paper. 
    • Copy paper
    • Card stock (Card Stock Material)
    • Sheet plastic (Sheet Plastic Material)
    • Custom 1 - This needs to be defined in the Advanced Menu first.
    • Custom 2 - This needs to be defined in the Advanced Menu first.
    • Custom 3 - This needs to be defined in the Advanced Menu first.
  •  Perforate OFF /ON (Autoperforate off/on) ??" This is a toggle switch to turn the perforation in the end of each printed page off or on.  This is very useful for continuous feed paper but should be turned off when using paper that is already perforated.  Press Select to toggle off and on. The paper path LED will start blinking if autoperforate is turned on.
 
While in the Main Menu, the paper path can be switched and you can choose paper type and perforate on/off for the currently activated paper path.  Without leaving the Main Menu, you can switch to another paper path and choose these options again. Paper type and perforate on/off settings assigned to the currently activated path will be kept in the embosser's memory.
 
  • Braille force (Select to set braille punch force)
    • BRL dots: HEAVY (Braille dots heavy) - Braille dots will be printed even heavier than graphic dot height 7.
    • BRL dots: NORMAL (Braille dots normal) - Braille dots will be printed in the same height as graphic dot height 7.
    • BRL dots:  LIGHT (Braille dots light) - Braille dots will be printed in the same height as graphic dot height 6.
  • Mode: PRINTER/Mode: EMBOSSER (Printer mode or Braille Embosser mode) - This is a toggle switch.  Press the select button to toggle between both options.  The currently shown option is automatically selected.  The Braille Embosser menu (See Section D) is accessible when Braille Embosser mode is selected.
  • Language (Select to set language) ??" There are five languages available on the ViewPlus Pro. Choose the language.
    • English (English)
    • Deutsch (Deutsch) - German
    • Español (Español) - Spanish
    • Français (Français) - French
    • Italiano (Italiano) - Italian
  • Advanced Menu (Select to enter Advanced User Menu) - The description of this menu can be found in the Advanced Menu Section.


D.   Embosser Mode

This mode is not recommended except for old programs, which do not have Windows printer drivers. 
The Pro will switch to embosser mode automatically when it detects data not sent through the Windows printer driver. Embosser mode settings can be controlled from the printer properties window as described in Printing First Documents chapter, section E.

Currently this generic embosser mode accepts only normal printing characters 32 (0x20) to 127(0x7f) from the standard ASCII table.  Non-printing control characters are interpreted as follows:

4
(0x04)
end of transmission (eot)
7
(0x07)
bell (bel)
10
(0x0a)
carriage return (cr)
12
(0x0c)
form feed (ff)
13
(0x0d)
new line (nl)
23
(0x17)
end of transmission block (etb)


E.   Advanced Menu

  • Define Custom (Select to enter Custom Punch Force Menu) ??" Select this option to define one of three custom punch force settings.  See Section F for the description of this menu.
  • Interface (Select to enter Interface Menu) ??" Selecting this option will lead to the Interface Menu (see Section G).
  • Align printer (Select to align printer) ??" Selecting this option will lead to the Alignment Menu (Section H).
  • Product ID (Select display Product Serial Number) ??" This function displays and reads the serial number of the embosser. 
  • Print test page (Select to Print Test Page Now) ??" Make sure there is paper loaded in the embosser. Selecting this option will cause the ViewPlus Pro to print a test pattern. This test can be stopped at any time by pressing the Online button.  You should examine the pattern to make sure the ViewPlus Pro is operating correctly.


F.   Custom Menu

In addition to the paper type settings, the ViewPlus Pro offers the possibility to set custom punch forces for special material where none of the paper type settings result in satisfactory printouts. Once a custom force setting is defined it will appear in the list of paper type options in the Main Menu.
  • Print Force Test (Select to Print Punch Force Test Page Now) - Make sure to load the material before you set custom punch forces in the embosser. Selecting this option will cause the ViewPlus Pro to print a test pattern using different punch forces from which you can choose the best suitable values for your material.
  • Set Custom 1 (Select to set Custom 1 Settings)
    • Set low force (Select to enter lowest punch force) ??" Set the punch force for dot height 1 in a range between 1 and 20.
    • Set high force (Select to enter highest punch force) ??" Set the punch force for dot height 7 in a range between 7 and 30.
The closer the two numbers are together the less contrast you will achieve in the 3d print out. The “Braille paper” system setting is, for example, 2 for the lowest, and 12 for the highest punch force. Higher numbers are usually needed for heavier print material.
  • Set Custom 2 (Select to set Custom 2 Settings) - Same steps as for Custom 1.
  • Set Custom 3 (Select to set Custom 3 Settings) - Same steps as for Custom 1.
 


G.   Alignment Menu


The punch must be positioned towards the geometric center of all 4 pyramids on the roller in order to create a satisfactory dot.     
             
 An ideal dot embossed by the ViewPlus Pro should look like this:
 
 
 
When determining whether a dot is good or not, look for this kind of pattern (you may want to use a handheld magnifying glass). A good dot should be symmetric and of an equal height to a standard Braille dot.
 
In order to align the embosser correctly, follow all steps as they are described below.
 
  • Print Alignment (Select to Print Alignment Pattern Now) ??" Make sure there is paper loaded in the embosser. The ViewPlus Pro will print a grid of dots. You will need this grid to decide which horizontal, and vertical value has to be entered in order to align the embosser. Number the columns of dots in the grid starting with the dot towards the closest edge of the paper from 1 to 12. Then number the rows of dots in the grid starting at the top from 1 to 18.
  • Set horiz. value (Set horizontal value) ??" The value can be set between 1, and 12. Look for the column in the previously printed grid where the dots are best aligned in horizontal direction. Select the number of this column.
  • Set vert. value (Set vertical value) ??" The value can be set between 1, and 18. Look for the row in the previously printed grid where the dots are best aligned in vertical direction. Select the number of this row.
 


H.   Interface Menu

Settings for the parallel port, or the serial port interface can be changed in this menu.
  • Port (Select to Set Port)
    • Auto detect (Automatic detection) ??" The ViewPlus Pro will automatically detect which port is in use.
    • Serial (Serial port) ??" Selecting this option disables the parallel port, and communication is only possible via serial port.
    • Parallel (Parallel port) ??" Selecting this option disables the serial port, and communication is only possible via parallel port.
  • Baud Rate (Select to Set baud rate) ??" This serial port setting will only be enabled if the port is set to automatic detection, or serial port. Choose the baud rate as number of bits per second.
    • 9600 (9600) - This is the default setting.
    • 4800 (4800)
    • 2400 (2400)
    • 38400 (38400)
    • 19200 (19200)
  • Data Format (Select to Set Data Format) ??" This serial port setting will only be enabled if the port is set to automatic detection, or serial port. Select the data format for serial port communication.
    • 8, N, 1 (8, N, 1) ??" 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit (default setting)
    • 7, N, 1 (7, N, 1) ??" 7 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit
  • Flow Control (Select to Set Flow Control) ??" This serial port setting will only be enabled if the port is set to automatic detection, or serial port. Select the flow control method for serial port communication.
    •  Hardw: RTS/CTS (Hardware protocol RTS/CTS) ??" The data flow control follows the specifications of hardware protocol RTS/CTS.
    •  No flow control (No flow control)
    •  Softw:Xon/Xoff (Software protocol Xon/Xoff) ??" The data flow control follows the specifications of software protocol Xon/Xoff.
 





V. Paper Handling

A.   Paper Loading Standard Tractor Feed Paper

This tractor feeder comes installed on your ViewPlus Pro and is ready to use.
  • Press the Online button to take the embosser off line.
  •  Unlock tractor flaps on both sides to reveal the tractor teeth.
 
 
 
Shows the tractor feeder with left flap open and right flap closed
  • Place the left side of the paper into the left tractor and close the tractor flap.  Do not adjust the left tractor position.

 
Shows the loading of tractor feed paper

  If necessary adjust the right tractor position to fit into the right side of the paper:
    • release the locking lever on the side of the tractor.
    • slide the tractor to a position so it lines up with the holes in the paper.
    • insert the paper into the tractor and close the flap.
    • adjust the tractor so that the paper is tight.
    • engage the locking lever.
    • adjust paper supports so that there is an equal distance between the supports and the tractors.
 
 
 
Shows the tractor feed paper loaded
  • Close cover.
  • Press Load on the operator panel.  The paper will advance until it reaches the ready position.
  • Press Online again to take the embosser to ready mode.


B.   Other Options

Additional paper handling accessories may be purchased for the ViewPlus Pro.  They are:
  • Stack Paper Feeder
  • Pro Embosser Ink Attachment
  • Extra Tractor Feeder
    • Installation and operation instructions will be sent with the accessories.





    VI. Braille

    A.   Fonts

    During installation of the Tiger printer driver, a number of Tiger screen fonts are installed into the Windows font folder.  These are standard true-type (.ttf) Windows fonts.  It is very important for users to choose the screen font and point size that is converted properly to the desired braille or other tactile representation.
     
    Each Tiger screen font appears as standard Roman characters on the screen and prints with the ViewPlus Pro as braille dot patterns (DotsPlus™).  More will be described below.
     
    If the point size is not set correctly, text may be incorrectly positioned or overlap other text or graphics.  Most Tiger fonts should be used at a point size of 36.  This gives a vertical spacing on one-half inch.  Any fonts intended for use with other spacing have the point size given explicitly in its name.  For example, the ViewPlus Translator uses Braille29Tgr font and sets the point size at 29 to ensure the correct vertical spacing.

    Characters in fonts that are not recognized by the Tiger printer driver will be printed as graphic images of the visual character.   In this way, tactile images of Roman characters and symbols can be produced.  The point size of the font may have to be increased.    If you wish to print DotsPlus™ Braille, you must simply change the font to one of the ViewPlus Tiger fonts, and it is not necessary to use the ViewPlus Translator.
     
    More information about the fonts included can be found on your installation CD in the Tiger/Docs folder. 


    B.   ViewPlus Tiger Software Suite

    The Tiger Software Suite is part of your embosser package.  Instructions for installation and use come with the software package.





    VII. Printing First Documents

    A.   Printing

    Now the installation is complete, you should be set to emboss a document.  These are the
    steps that you should follow to print:
    • Open Microsoft Word or other Windows word processing programs.
    • There are tips for using various Windows applications in the tutorials.
    • If you are printing math equations, look at the directions for using MathType.  MathType is an add-on application for word processors.  It greatly simplifies the writing of equations.  For more information about MathType and ordering, please refer to our web site.
    • Make sure a ViewPlus embosser and the correct paper size are selected.  The paper size depends on the paper that is loaded in the embosser.  You can either open an existing document that you want to emboss, or start with a new one.  Example documents can be downloaded from our web site.
    • You should select the appropriate Tiger screen font and draw or import any kind of images - the driver will automatically translate the graphics and English text to tactile images and braille or DotsPlus™ .
    • If you wish to translate to uncontracted (grade 1) or contracted (grade 2) braille, use the ViewPlus Tiger Software Suite as described in Chapter VI.
    • Then print the file just as you would print to any other printer.
    • When the embosser is finished, press Tear to advance the paper enough so you can detach it.  Press the Load button again after you have detached the paper to move the paper to the ready position.
     


    B.   Printer Properties

    Paper size can be selected in the printer properties. The settings for Windows 2000 and XP can be found Settings/Printers/select ViewPlus Pro/Properties.  
     
    The paper source and the media choice can be controlled from the printer properties.  The default settings use the settings already set in the ViewPlus Pro.  If the user is using a network or shared embosser and wishes to change the settings from their computer, use this function.  The paper source choices are default, lower tractor feeder, upper tractor feeder, top sheet feeder, middle sheet feeder, bottom sheet feeder.  Autoperforation will be performed or not according to the setting in the embosser for the selected paper path.  The choices for media choice are default, braille paper, VP roll paper, computer/copy paper, card stock, and sheet plastic.
     
    More special features including the ability to emboss using the special intergraphic option, use the Tiger tab in the ViewPlus Pro properties.  Interpoint and intergraphics will be discussed in the next section.


    C.   Interpoint Printing

    Often ViewPlus embosser users have graphics embedded in text documents.  This could pose a problem for embossing on both sides of the paper.  The ViewPlus unique solution to this problem is to allow the user the flexibility of choosing to print single sided, double sided (interpoint), or to emboss interpoint with graphics. Double sided or interpoint embossing will emboss first the odd pages and then the even sides.  The user will be prompted to turn over the pages and press okay before continuing to emboss the even pages.  Interpoint with graphics will emboss double sided when there is text on both sides and automatically leave the second side blank when there is a graphic.
     
    When using interpoint or interpoint with graphics, the user may select to print all pages, even pages only or odd pages only. This is useful when the paper is not turned over between the odd pages and the even pages. When this error occurs, the user can then turn over the pages and then choose the proper pages to print the opposite sides of the pages.
     
    Control these features in the printer properties window.  Access depends on your Windows operating system.  It can be found after selecting the printer and going to printer properties, or by going to Start/Printer/ViewPlus Pro/ and right click to get properties.  The Tiger tab has the special features (see the next section). 
     


    D.   Other Printing Features

    The other features included in this window are inverse landscaping, magnification, and the ability to control the image display.  These features which are standard features for graphics programs are for advanced users.  This is the first time that they are available for printing tactile images.  Please feel free to experiment using these features.

     
    •  Horizontal Shift
    This might be a useful feature to turn on when embossing interpoint or intergraphics.   
    • Inverse Landscape
    The default setting of inverse landscape permits the embossing of multiple pages of a spreadsheet so the embossed information will be continuous. 
    • Magnification
    The original document may be magnified by 2, 3, or 6 times.  This allows the image to be made larger without changing the formatting.  If the Crop Margins is checked the image will be cropped to fit the page size.
    • Print Copies/Collate
    When the collate box is checked and multiple copies of a document are desired, one complete document will be embossed at a time.  If the collate box is left unchecked multiple copies of each page will be embossed.
    • Perforate 
    When the perforate checkbox is checked, the printer driver will perforate the bottom of each printed page. This setting is read from the printer's firmware and can also be changed on the printer's LCD panel.
    • Invert Colors
    This might be used for special effects for images that would emboss better with the light colors embossed as dark and the dark colors embossed as light colors.
    • Dithering
    The default mode has dithering off.  Dithering is used to enhance the color information.  Most of the time the user would prefer to have distinct colors with the dots having the same height.  If there is need to have the colors mixed, try turning dithering on.
    • Contrast
    The default setting is 0.  The range is from -100 to 100.  Increasing the contrast would increase the dot height difference of two colors that have intensities that are nearly the same.  By increasing the contrast, the light color get lighter and the dark colors get darker.
    • Brightness
    The default setting is 0.  The range is from -100 to 100.  Increasing the brightness would be useful if you want to increase the intensity of all the colors.  This would be useful if the lines in the drawing are thin and light. 
    • Thin Line Intensity
    If lines on the graphics are too thin to emboss correctly, slide the indicator to the right. 
    •  Braille Dot Height
    This option allows the user to emboss taller or shorter Braille dots. This is particularly useful when using paper other than standard Braille paper.
    • Media Types
    The media type combo box allows the user to select what type of paper will be embossed. A number of predefined media types are available, and the lowest and highest Braille dot heights are adjusted depending on the media type selected. Users can also define media types by clicking the ‘Add...' button or view the settings associated with a particular media type by clicking the ‘View...' button.


    E.   Embosser Mode Settings

    • Paper size ??" This group allows the user to select a standard paper size from a drop down list or select a custom size by choosing the page width and page height. Page width and height can be adjusted in increments of 0.05”.
    • Margins ??" This group allows the user to set the left and top margins of the page. The right and bottom margins are adjusted automatically depending on the page size, left and top margin settings and line settings. Margins may be adjusted in increments of 0.05”.
    • Line settings ??" This group allows the user to toggle automatic text wrapping on and off, adjust the number of characters per line, adjust the number of lines per page and add extra space between lines. The number of characters per line and number of lines per page are limited by page size, margin and other legacy settings. Extra space between lines may be adjusted in increments of 0.05”.
    • Text/graphics mode - This is a drop-down list that allows the user to select text-printing mode or graphics-printing mode. Selecting text-printing mode yields embossed data with 0.15" spacing between characters and graphics- printing mode produces embossed data with only 0.1" horizontal spacing.  The vertical line spacing in graphics mode is always zero, whereas the line spacing in text mode is always 0.1 inches.
    • Dots per character ??" This option allows the user to select 6 dot Braille cells or 8 dot Braille cells. In 6 dot mode the height of a Braille cell is 3 dot lines.  In 8 dot mode, the height is 4 dot lines.
    • Custom Braille tables ??" This group allows the user to load a user-defined Braille table (.bct) file or to load any one of several preloaded tables, which include tables for US, German, Italian, French and Spanish Braille.





    VIII. Accessories and Support Packages

    A.   List of Accessories

    For pricing, ordering, and additional information on any of the following products, consult http://www.viewplus.com
    • Custom Roll Paper Holder
    VPT9000-00 
     
    This holder is designed to hold the custom oversized paper.  The paper feeds smoothly to the tractor feeder.  
    • Custom Oversized Paper (2 Rolls per Carton)
               VPT9002-00
    This custom 17” wide braille paper is for oversized documents.  This paper is terrific for making really big printouts of maps, charts, diagrams, tables, etc.  The paper comes in continuous rolls with 3" diameter cores, enabling the user to choose a variety of page lengths.
    • Audio Graphing Calculator
               VSW9004-00
    The ViewPlus Audio Graphing Calculator (AGC) is a self-voicing Windows application that equalizes access to scientific calculation and graphing for people who are blind or dyslexic. It includes a standard on-screen calculator and a powerful function evaluator as well as the capability of computing and viewing functions visually and as an audio plot. The audio tone plot gives AGC users access on a time scale comparable to access by people without print disabilities to visual plots on standard graphing calculators.
    • Tiger Software Suite
    VSW0100-00

    The Tiger Software Suite  is the complete solution for producing braille and graphics by harnessing the full power of MS Word and Excel. The press of a button automatically formats  documents created for an ink printer. 
    • Stack Paper Feeder
               VPT 9005-02
    This optional feeder allows the user to print using stacks single sheet paper as well as other cut-sheet media like Avery labels, business cards, etc.
      • Stack Feeder Extension
      VPT9006-01 
       
      This optional extension is only for use with a Stack Paper Feeder VPT 9005-01 
      • Extra Tractor Feeder
                 VPT 9007-01
      The second tractor feeder mounts on the front allowing the user to load and use two types of tractor feed paper at the same time.
      • Ink Attachment
                 VPT 9009-00
      The ink attachment allows overprinting of braille or printing of text above the embossed braille with black ink. 
      • Floor Printer Stand
                 VPT 9108-00
      The printer stand is a floor stand with baskets and wheels designed to hold the ViewPlus embossers.  
      • Replacement CD
      VPT 7005-10R
       
       


      B.   Other Software Packages

      • Duxbury Systems Braille Translator
      • MathType by Design Science


      C.   Training and Support Packages

      •  Level 1 Support - 2 hours  
      • Level II Support - 10 hours (complimentary w/ Pro) 
      • Level III Support - unlimited (one year)  
      • Phone Training 
      • Customized Training    
      With ViewPlus options for software training and support, you can tailor a package that best fits your needs.  All software inquiries will be answered by trained representatives via email or fax.  Annual software support packages include the use of the AGC and MS Office software compatible with ViewPlus embossers. Packages include matters related directly to use of ViewPlus products. We do not provide network support.
      Each software inquiry counts toward allotted time for support as follows: each question by email will be billed at 10 minutes, phoned in questions at 15 minutes. ViewPlus reserves the right to limit each call to one question or a maximum of 15 minutes per call.
       





      IX. Maintenance and Warranty

      A.   Extended Warranty and Maintenance Plan

      An extended warranty and maintenance plan is available through ViewPlus Technologies or your ViewPlus Pro representative.  A copy of this plan was shipped with your embosser. It can also be found on our web site. 

      Availability is limited to customers with valid existing warranty.  
       


      B.   Maintenance

      It is important to choose a suitable location for your ViewPlus embosser.  The cable length between the printer and the host computer should not exceed ten feet (three meters).  The location should be sturdy and flat.  The printer should not be exposed to direct sunlight, extreme heat, cold, dust or humidity.   The AC power outlet must be compatible with the plug of the printer's power cord.  Dot quality should be monitored; poor alignment can cause permanent damage to the platen of the ViewPlus Pro.
       
      When paper dust accumulates on the platen, it could cause a paper sensor error.  To avoid getting an alignment error, periodically clean the left side of the platen, the shiny part, with a small soft brush such as a toothbrush.   
       
      Software updates can be downloaded from the ViewPlus Technologies web site. You should occasionally check the web site for the latest developments.  There is also a support page with helpful hints on the web page.  Additional support packages can be purchased from ViewPlus Technologies. 
      http://www.ViewPlus.com
       
      Technical support questions asked:
      • Contact your ViewPlus Pro sales representative if you did not purchase directly from ViewPlus Technologies
      • Via e-mail to support@viewplus.com, or
      • By a telephone call to the ViewPlus Technologies office at 541-754-4002 (M-F from 9-5 Pacific Standard Time )


      C.   Warranty

      ViewPlus Technologies has a 1 year full parts and service warranty for the ViewPlus Pro.  There is a 30 day unconditional return policy in US.
       
      The full warranty information was shipped with your ViewPlus embosser.  In order to get service and technical support, it is necessary to completely fill out and return the warranty form.  You will be asked for the serial number of your ViewPlus Pro when you call for support.  There are several ways to register the warranty
      • To register by mail, complete the warranty form, cut it out, and mail it to ViewPlus Technologies.
      • To register by fax, complete the form and fax it to ViewPlus Technologies at (541) 738-6505.
      • To register online, access our web site at http://www.ViewPlus.com