rather than simply rebuilding the optacon using the original circuit designs with today's technology, it might be sensible to build a USB-compatible tactile array in a box with the needed controls, and plug it into something like this "camera that talks". I other words, alter and refine oleg's readiog machine-based approach. Does it make sense to re-develop a stand-alone optacon? From what I am piecing together over time of how the optacon R1D and II work (here a little, there a little), and with today's technology, it would seem feasible to build an optacon about the size of a cassette tape case or thereabouts. (maybe not including battery?) Charles To unsubscribe at any time, just send a message to: optacon-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) in the message subject. Tell your friends about the list. They can subscribe by sending a message to: optacon-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "subscribe" (without the quotes) in the message subject.