QBraille XL

By Rafaela Freundt, 5 December, 2018

Forum
Braille on Apple Products

Hello everyone. I recently purchased the new QBraille XL. But it is my first braille display and I'm having trouble learning how to use it.
Has anyone here tried it and could help me, or do you know of anyone who give online training on the use of braille displays?
I'm having trouble connecting to my iPhone and my Mac, via bluetooth, because apparently is has two types of connections (one for the keyboard and one for the display itself) and they don't work in conjunction for me.
I would also like to know how to switch from the hybrid or connected mode to using it standalone, to use the notepad, without having to desconect it.
I've read the manual but it is hard to understand for me.
Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

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Comments

By Piotr Machacz on Monday, December 10, 2018 - 05:21

I should be getting one in a few months. I looked at the manual some time ago and the way I understand it, to make a connection you pair it twice. First you go into bluetooth settings on your phone, find the QBraille and pair it, and this will get the keyboard working. Then you go into VoiceOver settings, then Braille, and pair the display which will appear as a Braille Edge here which is normal, and this should get it working completely.

For exiting out of the remote display into the notepad, try typing a Z-chord (Space and dots 1-3-5-6). As far as learning how to use it in conjunction with iOS, you can either use the chorded commands that VoiceOver supports, or look at a reference with Bluetooth keyboard commands with VoiceOver as that's what the QBraille is simulating.

Sadly I can't give you more specific instructions as I don't have a unit in front of me now, but hopefully this should get you on the right track. :)

By Brian Tew on Monday, December 10, 2018 - 05:21

Pairing to an iphone is controlled entirely by voiceover.
On the phone go to settings, general, accessibilty, voiceover, braille
And click choose a braille display.
Use 0000 for your pin code.

Of course your display must be ready with bluetoothon
And discoverable.

Thank you for your replays :)
Sadly, I still don't know how to get out of terminal mode to go back to the notepad, options menus, etc.
I have successfully connected the braille xl to my iPhone as a braille display, but then I don't know how to get it into pairing mode again to connect as a bluetooth keyboard.
Hope I am being clear with my explanation, and any help is appreciated.

By Mara on Saturday, August 10, 2019 - 05:21

Hello , I can tell you that to get out of the terminal mode- i.e the braille display part of the unit - you need to press backspace, space, and Z i.e dots 1356. I want to know what to do when it says my keyboard cannot be identified and identifies the keys wrongly. I have emailed my distributor about this but have not heard anything back as yet. Maybe somebody out here knows.

I like the device- it's a really neat idea! And the braille is fresh and crrisp.

By mmote on Saturday, August 10, 2019 - 05:21

I have been using a QBraille XL for about three months now. I can help you with using this device with your iDevice. It is a bit complicated, and might be difficult to go through in email. Feel free to email me off list, and perhaps we can set up a time to talk. I'm happy to help.

By Dan TeVelde on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 - 05:21

I wonder how this device compares with the fifth generation Focus display. I have the 40-cell version of the Focus display and am constantly having connectivity issues. I have it paired with two iPhones and one or the other connection drops frequently. I've considered getting a QBraille but haven't had a chance to see it.

By Mara on Monday, February 10, 2020 - 05:21

Hello- Though distributors are very helpful and the device is a great idea, there are two things wrong. *1 When I am in hybrid mode connected to a MacBook Pro, The panning keys for reason do not work as they should. I hope HIMS will fix this in a future update.
*2 The Manual does not have all the necessary information required to set up and use the device successfully. For example, there is no information about how to trouble shoot if, as what happened to me, the keyboard is not identified correctly.

That said, once every thing is right, I love the thing with passion! Strangely though, it is not listed as a supported display with Mac OS or iOS. This is perhaps an apple thing to fix at some point.

By John Farina on Friday, December 10, 2021 - 05:21

A friend is having an issue using his qbraille. Since upgrading to the latest iOS version, he finds the panning buttons do not function. anyone having this issue?

I don't have one I can test this on.