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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.

Item Details

MACAW Communication Devices

ILC Reference NO 61:04:026
Item sourced from ILC VIC database

Factors to Consider
The Macaw has no disk drives, LCD displays or other fragile items with the intention of withstanding use by children.
Size and number of keys can be modified to suit visual and cognitive needs.
Sensitivity of the keyboard can be altered to reduce unintentional key presses. This may benefit people with tremor or movement disorders.
Speech can be recorded in any language to suit people from a non English speaking background.
Auditory scanning may suit people with visual difficulties.
Support people and users require extensive training for effective programming and use. Access to consistent therapy support is highly recommended. The operational features of the device can be locked out if required. This can be useful for clients with cognitive impairments.
Fine motor skills are required to access the on and off switch. This may be difficult for clients with physical impairments.
Each message cell has a small red light emitting diode (LED) that activated when message is pressed. This may provide additional feedback to specific users. For example, people with hearing impairments who are using the device to interact with people within the community.
High levels of visual acuity and attention are required for scanning users to attend to the small LED's.

Safety and Maintenance
Refer to the supplier and manufacturer manual for maintenance instructions and safety warnings.

Short Description
The Macaw range of electronic communication devices have digitised (human recorded) speech output. 32 key or 128 key devices are available depending on the model chosen. A number of different keyboard layouts can be selected including 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 and 128 key patterns. Keys can be accessed directly or using switch and scanning (visual and auditory). Messages can be stored on a number of different levels and retrieved using a single key press, key linking or by stringing messages.

More Details
Features common to all MACAW models
Voice Output
The Macaw uses high quality, digitised recorded speech.
The voice volume can be adjusted.

Print Output
Print out is not available.

Accessing Options
The device can be accessed directly by pushing membrane keys, by morse code or by visual and /or auditory scanning.

Keyboard
Keyboard layout varies depending on the model chosen (32 cells for Macaw and 128 cells on Green Macaw and DACtyl Macaw).
Alternative keyboard layouts can be programmed.
There are no dead spaces with enlarged keyboard layouts, the entire keyboard area can activate messages.
Optional keyguards are available for all available keyboard layouts
Key tremor and key beep settings are available.

Scanning
Scanning can be directed with a joystick, or with one, two, or three switches.
Manual linear step and directed scan.
Automatic linear scan.
Automatic block/row/column scan.
Automatic row/column scan.
Multi switch directed scan.
Auditory scan with audible cueing.
Auditory scan with earphone for user.
An optional right to left scanning set up is available.
Morse Code
Morse code can be used with switches.
A letter or number in Morse code represents each message area.
The code is entered using one, two or three switches to select the appropriate cell location.
Morse code access does not allow the use of spelling.

Memory
The amount of recording time for each models is 78 minutes.
Messages can be stored on a number of levels (pages).

Programming
Programming is fully outlined in the instruction manual.
Programming requires a speaking person to speak into the built in microphone to record speech.
An optional external microphone may be used.

Symbol Systems
Any symbol system such as COMPIC or PCS can be used on the overlays to represent the underlying message.

Batteries and Charging
The device has an internal rechargeable battery and has battery level indication.
The unit comes with a battery recharger that plugs into mains power.
Smartcharge recharging varies the rate of charge, according to the level left in the battery. This minimises the risk of overcharging.
Batteries last for ten hours of continuous use with direct access.
Batteries last for six hours of continuous use with scanning access.
Recharge time is approximately four hours.

Other Specialised Features
Key link allows messages to be stored under a variety of key sequences. This expands the number of messages available on that level.
Programmed messages can be copied from one location to another.
The talk/repeat feature allows strings of messages to be selected then spoken together.
The hide and find feature allows messages to be hidden from the user. This can be used as a teaching tool.

Standard Accessories
Instruction manual.
Battery recharger transparent.
Keypad covers to protect overlays.
Shoulder strap and carry handle.
Plastic surround.

Optional Accessories
Memory cards for saving recordings.
Keyguards for all keyboard layouts.
Macaw Mates, sets of coloured key labels.
Clear and masking overlay panels.
Mounting systems.
Carry bags/carry cases.
Various adaptors for multi switch input.
Raincoat.
Computer transfer kit.
Pillow speaker for auditory scanners.

Specific Features of each MACAW Model
Macaw 5
Total 78 minutes of recording time.
Messages are stored under 32 keys, in four rows of eight.
Each cell measures 28mm x 28mm with a 4mm border around each cell.
Records messages in up to 32 levels or overlays.
Alternative keyboard layouts can be programmed.
Key layouts available include 4x8, 4x4, 2x4, 4x2, 2x2, 1x4, 1x2.
Coloured keyguards available

Macaw Green 5
Total 78 minutes of recording time.
Messages are stored under 128 keys, in eight rows of sixteen.
Each cell measures 14mm square with a 2mm border around each cell.
Records up to 63 levels of messages.
Alternative keyboard layouts can be programmed.
Key layouts available include 8x16, 8x8, 8x4, 4x8, 4x4, 2x4, 4x2, 2x2, 1x4, 1x2.
For a bigger keyboard refer to DACtyl Macaw.
Coloured keyguards available

DACtyl Macaw +4
78 minutes of recording time
Messages are stored under 128 keys, in eight rows of sixteen.
The DACtyl Macaw has up to 63 levels that can be programmed.
Each cell measures 19mm square
Key layouts available in 8x16, 8x8, 8x4, 4x8, 4x4, 2x4, 4x2, 2x2, 1x4, 1x2.
Only keyguards with 32, 64 and 128 arrangements available

Models
Macaw 5
Macaw Green 5
DACtyl Macaw 4 +

Dimensions
Macaws
Key Depth......................................... 29 mm
Key Width......................................... 29 mm
Memory Time....................................... From 9 min.s to 38 min.s
Overall Width..................................... 295 mm
Overall Depth..................................... 200 mm
Overall Height (Min).............................. 75 mm
Weight (kg)....................................... 1.1 kg

Warranty
Manufacturer standard warranty applies.

Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information on what standards the equipment may need to meet, see www.ilcaustralia.org/explanationofstandards.

Place Of Manufacture
Zygo Industries, Inc. Portland, Oregon, USA
http://www.zygo-usa.com

Display Information
ILCVIC may have this item on display. If you want to view or trial this product, please contact ILCVIC on 03-9362 6111 to ensure that it is still on display prior to your visit.

Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
ALTO COMPUTERS,   WELLINGTON POINT, QLD
INDOMED PTY LTD,   OCONNOR, WA
NOVITATECH,   REGENCY PARK, SA
TECHNABILITY ,   ALLAMBIE HEIGHTS, NSW
TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS,   SILVAN, VIC
ZYTEQ PTY LTD.,   SOUTH MELBOURNE, VIC

Additional /images
No additional /images apply to this item

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