Active Braille
External Keyboard
Handy Tech
Elektronik GmbH
Page 73
6.2 Keyboard Keys
In this section, you will find comments on some characteristics of using an external
keyboard. They are generally caused by the fact that there are keys on a keyboard that
make no sense when used in conjunction with the Active Braille.
6.2.1 Alphanumerical Character Inputs
There are no special characteristics regarding the input of alphanumerical characters on
the central keyboard area.
6.2.2 Numerical Pad
The keys on the numerical pad function just like the alphanumerical keys. The NUM key
has no function. All keys except Enter can be assigned your desired characters. In the
factory provided keyboard layout tables, these keys are assigned numerical meanings.
Alternatively, any desired characters can be implemented by means of the ALT+x function
(where x can be any number between 0 and 256). This ALT function is used for generating
characters that are not directly accessible on the keyboard layout.
6.2.3 Function Keys
The function keys have no function in conjunction with the Active Braille.
6.2.4 Navigation Keys
The term navigation keys refer to the 6-key block as well as the cursor keys located
between the main keyboard section and the numerical pad. These keys retain their
functions without any restrictions. You should note, however, that the key "POS1"
implements the chord command [SPC+1 3], and the key "End" the chord command
[SPC+4 6]. If pressed at the same time as the control key (Ctrl), "POS1" executes the
command [SPC+1 2 3], while the "End" key executes [SPC+4 5 6].
6.2.5 Special Keys
There are several special keys on many keyboards, which are described in detail below. It
should be noted that on some keyboards, the right shift key does not work in conjunction
with the right Alt key. The left Shift key can be used for these combinations instead.
Shift
Activates the secondary function until the key is released.
ShiftLock / CapsLock After pressing this key, the secondary functions remain active until
the Shift or ShiftLock key is pressed again. All keys are switched to
their secondary function, not only the letter keys.
ALT / ALT left
No function. If the key is held down continuously, ASCII codes may
be entered via the numerical pad.
ALT Gr / ALT right
Activates the tertiary function until the key is released.
Ctrl
Only remains active until the key is released.
WINDOWS and
context menu keys,
print, scroll, pause
These keys are not supported and cannot be assigned any
functions.
