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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

Tellus Smart I

ILC Reference NO 61:04:001
Item sourced from ILC VIC database

Tellus Smart I

Factors to Consider
Support people and users require training for effective programming and use. Access to consistent therapy support (Speech Pathology and/or Occupational Therapy) is highly recommended. This is especially true if a team choose not to use pre-existing page sets.
The screen is clearest indoors and in shady areas but it can be difficult to see outside especially in direct sunlight.
This device contains pre-existing page sets that are designed to be used as a base for users to customise as required. This can reduce the programming time required.
This device can be used as a symbol based device and/or a text to speech device. This allows for developing literacy skills and allows the use to learn to create novel messages independently.
With both the speech and visual display available, it is suitable for use with communication partners who have either a hearing or vision loss.
Sensitivity of the keyboard can be altered to reduce unintentional key presses. This may benefit people with tremor or movement disorders.
Using a finger to access the device requires slightly more pressure compared to the stylus.
The on-screen keyboard, used to program the device, is small and may be difficult for some users to see or access directly.
The stylus is very thin which may be difficult for users, with reduced strength and movement in their fingers, to hold and use especially over long periods of time.
The QWERTY and system keyboard cells can be difficult for users to access with their fingers.

Information Sourced From (Silent)
Tellus Smart I manual.
Zyteq website.

Short Description
The Tellus Smart I is a hand held, text to speech communication device with digitised (recorded) and synthesised speech (Australian accented RealSpeak). Messages are produced by typing on a standard QWERTY or ABC keyboard or activating programmed words and phrases represented by PCS, using a stylus or finger.

More Details
Software
The device runs on Windows Mobile 5.
Mind Express (Win CE) is used as specialised communication software.
The device is available in dedicated and standard models.

Voice Output
The device provides synthesised Australian accented RealSpeak speech.
Both male and female voices available (Karen and Lee).
The device also allows digitised (recorded) speech.
The pre programmed pages have voices available to use immediately.
Once voices are recorded, they are stored in the device memory and can be reused on other pages.

Pre-stored pages/vocabulary
Smart 1
Vocabulary predominantly suitable for a user with severe literacy and expressive language difficulties.
Contains a 5 x 3 cell page with vocabulary represented by PCS symbols.
Messages are predominantly singular words (eg: blue, dog, car) and 2 - 3 word phrases (eg: watch TV, I'm hungry, I need help).
Vocabulary is categorised according to their functional use (eg:clothes, questions, feelings etc).
A page of questions is available allowing a user to initiate communication (eg: How's the weather?), to meet social closeness (eg: How are you? When will I see you next?) and to meet wants and needs (eg: What time is it?).
Producing novel messages or replies to questions can be difficult due to the limited amount of vocabulary available.
The pages do not have a link to an alphabet page.

Smart 2
Vocabulary predominantly suitable for a young adult to older adult user with age appropriate literacy skills.
Contains 7 rows of pre programmed phrases per page.
Phrases are categorised according to their functional use (eg: restaurant - A hamburger and french fries please)
Categories include short messages, questions, shop, restaurant, money, feelings.
The page is linked to an QWERTY keyboard.
User can only produce novel messages in the alphabet page (i.e. spelling it out).
Messages are automatically spoken out when activated while the written message appears in the message window.

Smart 3
Vocabulary predominantly suitable for a young adult to older adult user with age appropriate literacy skills.
Contains 7 rows of pre programmed phrases per page.
Phrases are categorised according to their functional use (eg: restaurant - A hamburger and french fries please)
Categories include short messages, questions, shop, restaurant, money, feelings.
The page is linked to an ABC keyboard.
User can only produce novel messages in the alphabet page (i.e. spelling it out).
Messages are automatically spoken out when activated while the written message appears in the message window.

Onscreen keyboards
Both QWERTY_8 x 10 and ABC keyboard available.
Limited punctuation is available for both keyboards (i.e. full stop, question mark, exclamation mark (ABC only)).
Numbers are not available on either keyboard.
A small QWERTY system keyboard is used to complete programming, editing, setting changes etc.
Word prediction is available for both keyboards. Four words are available above the ABC keyboard and nine words above the QWERTY keyboard.
The word prediction list can be altered to add or remove words .
Abbreviation expansion and pronunciation exceptions are available and both lists can be altered.
Auditory prompts for each letter activated are available.
Both keyboards have a "clear" button that removes a message from the message window.
The writing in the message window scrolls horizontally and cannot be scrolled through if the message is longer than the message window.
The size of the font can be adjusted between 8 and 36 pt.
The font is available in Tahoma and Courier new with bold, italic, underline and strikethough functions.

Memory
The device has 9 hours of recording time depending on the SD card installed (2GB standard).
Extra memory can be obtained by using a SD card with greater memory.

Visual display
The device is equipped with VGA transflective TFT touch screen.
The screen size is 8.9cm measured diagonally.
480 x 640 pixels.
Display can be set in portrait or landscape.
Colours of text and background can be changed to increase contrast for users with a visual impairment.

Print output
The pages of the device, once exported and saved on a computer, can be printed using the "ALT print screen" PC function, than pasting the image into Paint or other similar program.

Access options
The device can be accessed by direct access only using a finger or stylus (provided).
The accessing area is determined by the size of the cells designed when making a new display.
Fewer cells will produce larger areas.
Touch screen settings can be adjustable using acceptance time and post selection time (milliseconds delay).

Symbol/picture supports
The device supports PCS as the primary symbols set.
Photos and other symbols can be imported as files from a computer (480 x 640 pixels).

Programming
A menu password can be programmed to lock out the menu functions.
Programming can be done on a computer, using software provided with the device, and then downloaded to the device.
The left and right buttons located in the casing under the screen can be programmed to change pages, adjust volume, read the date & time and stop all sound.
Pages can be exported and saved onto a computer and loaded to another device via the USB cable.
The device comes with the MindExpress and MS Active Sync software that needs to be installed on a computer.
Using the software, the pages can be programmed on the computer and imported back onto the device.

Batteries / charging
The device has two internal rechargeable batteries one for the hardware and the other for external speakers.
The battery provides up to 8 hours of on time.
The display dims after 30 seconds of inactivity to conserve power (this setting can be adjusted in the Windows Mobile system in the standard model only).
After 2 minutes of inactivity the device will turn itself off.
The Tools section of the program displays a battery level indicator.

Manual and support materials
The manual provides basic information about the device hardware and software functions (eg: how to access functions on the device and programming).
It provides step by step instructions for programming the device and is written in simple language.
The manual provides screen shots when a user is required to access device functions.
The manual provides a general contents page of the information included and has no index page.
The manual does not provide a troubleshooting page or link for users to access this information elsewhere.
The manual clearly states how to reset the device.
The manual is available for download from the Zyteq website.

Interfacing capabilities
The device can interface with a computer via the provided USB cable.
The software Microsoft Active Sync will make a connection between a computer and the device.
Files can be imported from the computer onto the device and exported from the device to the computer.

Standard accessories
Charger.
USB cable.
Carry Case.
2GB memory card.
Black case top and bottom.

Optional Accessories
Green case bottom.
Grey case bottom.
Blue case top.
White case top.
Grey case top.

Models
Tellus Smart I dedicated.
Tellus Smart I standard.

Dimensions
Tellus Smart I
Screen Size....................................... 89 mm
Overall Width..................................... 75 mm
Overall Depth..................................... From 23 mm to 35 mm

Tellus Smart i
Overall Length.................................... 135 mm

Tellus Smart I
Weight (gms)...................................... 320 gms

Warranty
Manufacturer standard warranty applies.

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

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.

Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
NOVITATECH,   REGENCY PARK, SA
TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS,   SILVAN, VIC
ZYTEQ PTY LTD.,   SOUTH MELBOURNE, VIC

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