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Lightwriter, which one is best for me?

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There are many different models of the Lightwriter. Most of them have the standard features listed below but, of course, some features are unique to each model. The SL5 and SL55 in particular have limited features.

Model	Picture (not to scale)	Individual Features
SL35		This is the standard keyboard model with two screens which can have either a QWERTY or ABCDE keyboard. The standard model now comes with two brighter Vacuum Fluorescent Displays (VFDs) fitted which may help some people with visual impairments. A scan module (see below) can also be added to allow a switch user to control the Lightwriter.
Scan Module		This can be plugged into the SL35 to allow a switch user to control the Lightwriter. It can be accessed by one or two switches. The scan module is often mounted separately to the Lightwriter and, since it has its own battery, has a very bright screen. The alphabet and 4 - 8 predicted words are displayed on the screen. The alphabet can be arranged in QWERTY, ABCDE or frequency of use.
SL85		This model is a dedicated scanning model for those who need to control the Lightwriter with a switch yet want a small unit. The screens are both LCD and therefore not as bright as the SL87. An external keyboard which is provided with the SL85 can be plugged in to allow programming and setup. The alphabet and 4 - 8 predicted words are displayed on the screen. The alphabet can be arranged in QWERTY, ABCDE or frequency of use.
SL87		This Lightwriter has both a keyboard and a scanning screen, with the scanning screen having the same features as the scan module. This is ideal for someone who needs to use both the keyboard and a switch. For example, someone who fatigues during the day and is unable to use the keyboard in the afternoon. Or a user who has a fluctuating level of tone and some days can use the keyboard but needs to use scanning on other days. The scan screen is VFD and therefore brighter than the SL85. For keyboard users the scan screen can be setup to display text at a much bigger size than usual.
SL5X		Externally the SL5X looks identical to the SL35 but it has NO speech and NO ports for connecting external devices such as printers. Available in either QWERTY or ABCDE but cannot be changed between these layouts by the users. This is the base model of the Lightwriter range and cannot be upgraded and speech cannot be added at a later date.
SL55		This model has two keyboards and is ideal for someone who has a hearing impairment as well as complex communication needs. It has also been used successfully with people with autism. Both the person with complex communication needs and their communication partner can type their responses and be easily understood. The SL55 has no speech and cannot have speech added. It also has no ports, so cannot have a scan module or printer attached.
SL56		This model has two keyboards, but unlike the SL55 has all the functions of an SL35. It has a DECtalk speech synthesiser and ports to attach external devices. As with the SL55, it is ideal for someone who has a hearing impairment and has been used successfully with people with Autism.

Standard SL35 Features

Displays
2 Displays, 19 Characters Wide

• Standard: Vacuum Fluorescent Displays, 0.66 cm high characters

Display Text

• Choose between UPPER-case only or UPPER/lower-case to the displays
  
• Many additional symbols and accented characters (> @ ñ ç é , etc.)

Memory
Lots of memory for use in:

• 36 memos of up to 250 characters each, one memo for each of the letter and number keys
  
• Abbreviations/Expansions
  
• Speech Exceptions
  
• Speedwriting – add your own SPDWRTG ABBREVS (speedwriting abbreviations)
  
• Facility to browse through the memories to see what is stored
  
• Sequences: use 2 keys to play complicated key sequences, such as: “Print eight memories, with gaps between, the first one bold and the last one italic”

Power

• Rechargeable Ni-MH batteries
  
• 8 hours of continuous operation after an overnight charge (with two LCDs)
  
• Each VFD reduces this time by approximately 2 hours.
  
• Use time is actually longer in normal use as the device will automatically turn itself off after a set period e.g. 1 minute, 5 minutes

Special Keys

• Two keys are changeable to international characters
  
• An external switch may be used for special operations, for example: turn the unit on, recall and speak a memory

Speech

• Standard: DECtalk, high quality American-English with eight adult voices (4-male and 4-female) and one
  child’s voice
  
• Optional: External Synthesizers may be used with or without an internal speech capability, providing access to languages other than English.

Text Prompting / Word Prediction

• Set up word prompting after selection of 1, 2, or 3 characters (or none). Stored vocabulary can be scrolled for visual selection.

Auto-Off

• Adjustable time before the unit turns itself off (to conserve battery energy)

External Devices

• Printers (serial or parallel)
  
• Remote Displays (Liquid Crystal or Vacuum Fluorescent)
  
• Expanded Keyboards
  
• Plug-in Scanner

Mounting and Carrying

• A threaded opening is provided for attaching items such as a wrist strap or security cable
  
• Optional carrying cases, pouches, and mounting systems are available

HELP!

• Online help (an abbreviated handbook on-screen)
  
• Context-sensitive help for setups, etc.

Keyboard Models

• LightTouch Keyboard
  
• Light force with tactile feedback; spaced for typing
  
• Splash-proof, but not water-proof – optional raincoats are available

Keyguards

• Key surround may be raised to avoid pressing multiple keys (green spacers and screwdriver supplied with new unit)
  
• Deep keyguard is optional

Keyboard Layouts

• QWERTY: Typewriter layout is standard; change anytime to…
  
• ABCDE: Optional; easier for some people, for example, those who have never had keyboard experience and are never likely to.

Keyboard Adjustments

• Key Click – Adjustable loudness of the audible feedback
  
• Tremor – Adjustable delayed entry

Scanning Layouts

• QWERTY, ABCDE or Frequency of Use

Other Features

• Replay Speed – adjustable speed of replay of messages and memories
  
• Calculator – 8-function calculator built in
  
• Call Signal – two call signals
  
• Text-to-Speech Output