Optelec
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Page 6
2. Getting to know your ALVA BC640
The ALVA BC640 consists of an ALVA BC640 base unit containing a 40 cell Braille
line and an optional Braille Audio Feature Pack. This chapter will give a detailed
overview of the lay-out of the ALVA BC640 base unit and Braille Audio Feature Pack.
2.1. ALVA BC640 Base Unit: Surface and front panel layout
The unit is placed correctly in front of you when the 40 Braille cells are located at the
back of the flat surface and the thumb keys are facing towards you.
The ALVA BC640 contains:
1. 40-cell Braille display
2. eTouch keys (left) for panning left and right and screenreading functions
3. eTouch keys (right) for panning left and right and screenreading functions
4. Smartpad with 5-way navigation key and 4 keys for easy access to
mainstream devices
5. Thumb keys for panning, left, right, up and down and returning to the cursor
position
6. 40 Cursor Routing Keys
7. Power supply and mini USB connectors
8. On/off switch
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2.1.1. Surface and front panel layout
The ALVA BC640 is designed with a row of 40 Braille cells at the back of the flat
surface. In front of the Braille cells one row of small buttons can be found, known as
Cursor Routing Keys. Each Braille cell has a corresponding Cursor Routing Key that
can be used for multiple functions. On the left and right side of the Braille line you will
find two groups of two keys. These so-called eTouch keys can be used for Braille
panning left and right as well as various other screen-reader functions.
