I would like to know if anyone else is having this issue - I have been unable to connect my BrailleSense 6 to JAWS/NVDA/Narrator, either by USB or bluetooth. I plug it in/connect it, go into "Terminal for Screen Reader" and nothing happens.
I have installed the USB drivers on my laptop multiple times, with no difference.
All of the above screenreaders (JAWS in 40 Minute mode if that makes any difference), act the same.
I have also tried multiple cables in case that was the issue, but no luck.
I am running windows 11 and the latest BrailleSense Firmware.
Is there anything i can do to fix this?
Thanks :)
By bexgray01, 17 April, 2025
Forum
Windows
Comments
Selecting the braille display in the screen readers
As you may have needed to do when connecting your Mantis to some screen readers, you also need to indicate to JAWS and possibly to NVDA that you're connecting a BrailleSense (I'm not sure if this is required when using a braille display with Narrator).
From the JAWS window, select Options > Braille... > Add Braille Display... > HIMS Braille and follow the prompts. If connecting via Bluetooth, you may need to try different COM ports to find the correct one. Remember to restart JAWS for the setting to take effect.
From the NVDA menu, select Preferences > Settings... > Braille > Add... > HIMS BrailleSense.
i configured the displays in each one but no difference
I should have added that i configured them, and nothing. the closest i get is an error that NVDA could not load the selected braille display.
I think it may be something to do with Windows 11? or the fact the braille sense is android?
Either way sorry but it didn't work
Bluetooth
Have you tried going into Windows settings, Bluetooth, add new device, and adding your braille sense to Windows?
Brian - yes, but it will not stay connected
the connection keeps flicking between connected and not connected constantly, and also made no difference to any of the screen readers
OK Try This
Well, try this with your bluetooth connection. Toggle the option to make your laptop bluetooth visible. make it detectable. For me I was unable to pair my Focus 40 to Windows 11 without enabling this option.
Maldalain - it is paired
I have paired it successfully but it will not stay connected
lots of factors
Does it make any differndifference if you switch through power modes? I am not sure what your laptop manufacturer is, but in my HP and Asus there are sections to toggle specific power modes. Try if it makes any difference.
power modes? - never heard of this
where would i go to find these? i just have pretty much everything on the default settings and my mantis worked fine on those settings, yet the braillesense does not?
Power mode
On Windows 11, press the Windows key plus 'i' to enter Windows Settings. Inside the search box, type either battery, or power, to populate suggestion results. One of these should allow you to go directly to the power mode settings.
There are typically three settings to choose from, though certain manufacturers may have their own variations. The usual suspects are:
Best Performance.
Balanced.
High Battery Efficiency.
Note: as stated above, your manufacturer may have variations on these labels.
To summarize, the Best Performance option is where the system is set to run at full capacity. This gives you full system resources for as long as the computer is powered on, the downside being that it will eat your battery. Balanced is simply a blending of the first and last setting, giving you plenty of resources to work with, but being a little gentler on battery life. Finally the last option is for those who are constantly on the go. It does not use full resources, giving you longer battery life by sacrificing certain functionality. For example, on my HP laptop, when I use this particular setting, closing the lid means I cannot use any of the peripherals, such as USB-C, or the microSD card reader.
This setting can best be compared to Low Power Mode on iOS.
HTH. :-)
Braille displays disconnecting
When using JAWS, open Settings Center, navigate to Braille > General and ensure that the option Auto Detect Braille Display Using Bluetooth is unchecked.
Question
Are your screen readers and displays on their latest versions and firmware