Thank you, Marco. I always viewed the modularity of the Optacon II as a
real advantage. Canon and TSI just didn't stay with the design and let
it mature. It's much easier to replace the camera cable and the battery
packs. There was also a feature in the early releases that allowed the
Optacon II to interface directly to the computer. I don't recall details
offhand since the CRT lens was sufficient for me, given the two ooptions
in inverse video. As for the smaller screen, I got used to it. The
improved portability was a plus and the ability to just put it in a
briefcase. I had one of the earliest R1B or R1C Optacons and we carried
them in wooden cases with heavy styrofoam padding. That's how fragile
they were. The more streamoined leatherette case for the R1D is an
improvement over that. But nothing beats the Optacon II for just putting
it in a standard briefcase or laptop bag. I can use my briefcase with
the Optacon II, my Focus 40 Blue and my iPhone 6 Plus and still have
room left over for documents. Nice on jetliners with carryon limits.
Best!
Maureen
On 11/17/2019 4:43 PM, Marco Cervi wrote:
Maureen, I totally agree with you.
I really do not understand why so many people are so disappointed with
Optacon II. Lower array resolution was never a problem for me in a normal
reading (I read and continue reading so many printed pages), and, as you just
said, it has a big advantage when used with CRT lens.
I have 2 Optacon II and I’m very happy with them.
Marco
Il giorno 17 nov 2019, alle ore 23:51, Maureen Hogg <m.e.hogg@xxxxxxxxxxx>to view the list archives, go to:
ha scritto:
May I weigh in here on one aspect of the Optacon II that has been
overlooked? It offers two different settings for complete inverse and
inverse video. I might have those terms wrong, but I do know it can read
white on black or balck on gray; or black on orange or dark green on
white. This was especially hellpful with Macintosh PCs of the 1990s,
which I used routinely with the Optacon II and a CRT Lens. I had
previously worked on VAX VT 100 displays with MAS11 using only an R1D
and one invert switch. I even adapted the VAX technique to IBM AT and XT
clones before migrating to Macs. And then, I migrated off Macs to PCs
running Windows 95/98 and XP Pro - all with an Optacon II because of its
versatility with three settings. I've used refreshable braille displays
and JAWS screen readers since 2002. But I have programmed my Windows 7
machines to a visual screen that can be accessed by an Optacon II with
its two CRT settings.
Thanks!
Maureen
On 11/17/2019 3:09 PM, Pamela Drake wrote:
Another problem with the Optacon II was that, for those who could not useto view the list archives, go to:
the original Optacon, it was still an Optacon. It was marketed as a new
reading device, and several of us got phone calls about it. When they
learned it was another Opticon, the callers said, in a disappointed tone,
“Thank you very much.” and the conversation was over. I have one and use it
very occasionally. I preferred the I series. I don’t recall any particular
problem with comprehension, but thanks to the training at TSI, I read very
well in context. Having said that, the Optacon II is on a desk in its case
and the Opticon v R1C is plugged in at my desk. Actually, I have three of
the R1 models, as I dread the day when they may be unavailable forever.
Yes, I do scan and use my phone a lot for reading but there are times when
nothing is going to beat the good ol’ Optie!
On Nov 14, 2019, at 10:12 AM, "harlynn@xxxxxxxxx" <harlynn@xxxxxxxxx>to view the list archives, go to:
wrote:
I tried the Optacon II but did poorly with it. I couldn't get the letters
thin enough and what Noel said about the descending letters is very
interesting.
Robert
to view the list archives, go to:
www.freelists.org/archives/optacon-l
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.
www.freelists.org/archives/optacon-l
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.
www.freelists.org/archives/optacon-l
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.
www.freelists.org/archives/optacon-l
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.
