AAC Keys: An Alternative to SerialKeys for a PC
AAC Keys is an alternative to SerialKeys and is available from the AAC Institute.
SerialKeys is an emulation software product that comes with all Microsoft Windows operating systems, beginning with Windows 95. From time to time people have been experiencing problems with SerialKeys, especially with NT based platforms. AAC Keys is another software emulator that is very successful performing Keyboard Emulation.
AAC Keys has been tested and works well with Windows 95, 98, 98 2nd Edition, 2000, ME, and NT and on Macintosh computers.
Before completing these intructions, follow the link below and download AAC Keys to your computer.
http://www.aacinstitute.org/downloads/aackeys/AACKeys.html
To Set Up AAC Keys
Once you have registered and begun the download you will see the Configuration Menu box.
Configure AAC Keys:
1. Select an unused COM port on your computer (If you have a modem, do not select the COM port that the modem is using.)
NOTE: If your are using an IBM Compatible that has a USB port and no Com ports, you will need to purchase a USB to Serial Adapter to plug in your PC. These are available at most computer stores. We recommend using one made by Keyspan called a USB to Serial High Speed Adapter.
Since you have not yet connected your communication aid with your computer, you may see a box that says it cannot open the COM port you have chosen. Select OK.
2. Select a Baud Rate.
The baud rate you select for AAC Keys must match the baud rate you select on your communication device. Most often a baud rate of 1200 is used, especially if you are using an Infrared Remote Receiver.
3. Set Run at Start Up:
A. If you want AAC Keys to automatically start each time you start your computer, check the Run at Start Up box.
B. Select Ok to use your new settings or Cancel to exit AAC Keys set-up without making changes.
A small AAC tray icon will appear on the system toolbar on your computer. This icon is used to access the AAC Keys program while it is activated.
To view the current settings, move your mouse over the icon.
Left click on the AAC icon in your toolbar to access other features.
You can make a selection from the menu that appears. Click on Configure to change your com port, baud rate, and to activate your Run at Start Up option.
Click on OK when finished.
Connect Your Communication Device to your Computer:
WARNING! Turn OFF your computer and your communication aid before plugging in any cables!
1. Use the PC interface cable that came with your device (your MTI or USB cable with adapter).
2. With the device and cocmputer turned OFF connect one end of the cable to the serial port on your communication device. Connect the other end of the cable to the COM port you selected in the AAC Keys configuration on your computer. If you are using an adapter, plug your cable into the adapter then plug your USB connector into the computer USB port.
Set the Output Menu on your Communication Aid
Output Method = RS 232
Output Mode = Immediate
Output = ON
Baud Rate = 1200
Auto Line Feed = OFF
Character Pacing = OFF
Using AAC Keys:
1. Open a word processing application on your computer.
2. Type on your communications device to send information to the computer.
3. Some devices, such as the Pathfinder, Vanguard, and Vantage, contain computer pages that you can load . These pages allow you to do complete computer emulation. You can emulate a mouse and all of the computer keyboard keys. For the DeltaTalker and Liberator "MIKE" for Unity or Word Strategy is available. "MIKE" stands for Mouse Interface & Keyboard Emulation and cost $225.00
4. If your device does not include these pages or you don't have the MIKE software, you will need to set it up for computer emulation or load special vocabulary that includes these commands. Your communication device manual has an appendix with the IBM and MAC computer commands to use.