Guide by Jackie Brown
One of the most frequent technology questions I am asked by people is how to pair a Hims U2 or U2 Mini with a Smart device using Bluetooth. Most Braille displays pair the same way, so here’s how you do it.
Before you start, make sure both devices have Bluetooth turned on. On iOS and Android, go to Settings and Bluetooth to achieve this. On your Braille device, refer to its instruction manual to find out how to turn on Bluetooth if it is not turned on automatically. On the Sense note-takers, use space with dots one-three-five to open the Options menu, and check Bluetooth is turned on there.
Now go to Utilities, Terminal For Screen Reader, and choose Bluetooth Serial on your Sense note-taker.
Next, go to Settings, General, Accessibility, VoiceOver, and Braille on iOS. Using Android, you need to have Braille Back or similar app installed which may be downloaded free of charge from the Google Play Store.
Using the above, pair with the Braille device that is shown by double-tapping to select it. You will be asked for a PIN, and the general combination to use is four zeros. Now double-tap the pair button.
On the Sense devices, you are required to enter the same PIN using computer Braille, so ensure you do this to complete pairing. Please note that you only have a limited amount of time in which to perform the PIN sequence, so don’t hang about!
If pairing has been successful, you will hear a small bleep from your Smartphone to indicate your devices have married. Your display should now show what is on the screen of your iOS or Android unit.
Now close the Settings app and start using your paired equipment. Remember that when using your Sense product, you must always be in Terminal For Screen Reader mode for the device to work with your Smartphone or tablet.
To exit Terminal For Screen Reader mode, use dots one-three-five-six with space and backspace.
The next time you want to use a Braille device with your Smartphone or tablet, you just need to go into Braille on iOS or Android and double-tap the Not Connected button to connect again. As your devices are already paired, you should not need to go through the PIN sequence any more.