To configure the Focus Braille Display SD card and Scratchpad, allowing you to copy files to and from the Micro SD card, make sure the unit is powered off and the supplied USB cable is connected to your PC. Next, press and hold the Left Panning button while simultaneously inserting the USB cable. The display powers on and the PC recognizes the Focus as a removable USB drive.
Note: If you use a screen reader such as JAWS over USB, it is recommended that you turn on speech or use a Bluetooth connection as braille will currently not work over USB when the Focus is being used as a storage device. You will also not be able to use the Scratchpad while in this mode.
Create .brf or .brl files in Braille Blaster or Duxbury or other braille translation APPs
Create .txt files in WORD, WordPad or another Braille editor
To transfer BRF and TXT files to the Micro SD card:
- On the PC, open the folder containing the files you want to copy, select the files you want, and then press CTRL+C. This is key step when managing the Focus Braille Display SD card and Scratchpad option.
- Windows E to file explorer and navigate to and open the USB drive to display the contents of the Micro SD card in navigation pane.
- Open FSI, Focus5, Scratchpad, and then open the folder where you want to place the files and press CTRL+V. Files you want to edit should be placed into the Notes folder. Files placed into the Books folder cannot be modified.
To transfer TXT files created in Scratchpad:
- Navigate to and open the USB drive to display the contents of the Micro SD card. Under This PC and navigation pane typically
- Open FSI, Focus5, Scratchpad, Notes, and then select the TXT files you want to copy and press CTRL+C.
- Navigate to the folder on your PC where you want to place the files and press CTRL+V. You can now use Notepad or another text editor to access these files.
Once you have finished transferring files, press the APPLICATIONS key on your computer while focused on the USB drive, and choose Eject. Power the Focus off and back on and you will once again be able to use the Scratchpad as well as receive braille output from your screen reader over USB.
Press right shift + x to close current file if u make changes it will prompt you to save or discard so you can use cursor router button or dot 8 to navigate thru options
If you want to temporarily leave the scratchpad in the background and resume connection to computer do menu +B (space + dot 1,2)
Get out of file by pressing menu and it pops to file menu and rocker down to file, open, etc. and enter on choice
Rocker down to open or what you want
Select folder-I save most books in books so I open that with enter
Rocker down to file you want to open
To edit and type in the Scratchpad of a Focus Braille Display (like the Focus 40 Blue), you’ll be using its onboard notepad feature. This is a standalone function that lets you jot down notes directly on the device without needing a connected screen reader. Here’s how to navigate and use it:
Accessing and Using the Scratchpad
Enter Scratchpad Mode
- Press Menu button (in center of dots 1 and 4) and rocker down until you reach Scratchpad or N+Menu for new file and enter for options-fastest but sometimes does not work so go Menu option rocker down
- Press a cursor router button above the word “Scratchpad” to select it or enter to open.
Brailling and Editing
- Use Braille input keys to type your content.
- Use cursor router buttons to move the cursor to specific characters.
- Use DOTS 7 + character to delete backward.
- Use DOTS 8 to insert a new line or confirm actions.
Save Your Work
- After brailling what you want just right shift + X and enter and it will prompt you to save.
Exit Scratchpad
- Right Shift + X
Connect to computer will be B space to switch back and forth between your Notes folder with file to type in info and your computer. See video
Tips for Efficient Use
- You can transfer Scratchpad files to a PC via USB or SD card in reader on your PC.
- Scratchpad supports BRF and TXT formats, ensuring that the Focus Braille Display and SD card work harmoniously.
Tips & Limitations
- Only plain text (.TXT) files are editable in NOTES folder
- Files transferred from PC must be in UTF-8 or ASCII format which is .txt as it takes all format out
- Large files may not open or save properly
More Scratchpad commands, go to freedom scientific
Host of other FOCUS display Lessons