Connecting the Blazer to Your Computer
The Blazer works with an IBM PC-compatible or Apple
computer, a Braille 'n Speak, Braille Lite, or Type 'n Speak.
The Braille Lite, Type 'n Speak, and most computers let you
print (or Braille) through a parallel connection, so the Blazer
comes from the factory with the parallel port activated and the
serial port off. But if you do need to use the Blazer's serial port
to connect it to your Braille 'n Speak, or to a serial port on a
computer, we'll show you how to do that, too.
Parallel Connection
You need a standard Centronix parallel cable like the one you
use to connect your computer to an ink printer. The Centronix
end of the cable has a rectangular housing with a long
rectangular object on the inside of the housing.
It feels similar to the parallel port on the Blazer itself, which has
a ridge around the rectangular opening where it mates with the
housing of the Centronix connector.
The parallel port on the Blazer is located on the backside of the
unit about an inch to the left of the AC power connector. Align
the Centronix end of the parallel cord with the parallel port on
the Blazer and gently push until the connector mates with the
port. If the connector doesn't slide easily into the port, you may
have the connector upside down. Turn it around and try again.
Once the cable is connected to the port, the connection should
be snug. But to secure it, bring the clips on either side of the
port in toward the connector until they click in place.
On the computer side of things, make sure you plug the male
connector of the parallel cable into the female parallel port on
the computer. If you're using a Braille Lite, or Type 'n Speak, its
parallel port feels just like the parallel port on a computer.
Computers like IBM PC-compatibles generally recognize
parallel ports as LPT1, LPT2, etc.
440102-001 Rev. A
7
