Allora

Allora is a portable speech generating device which converts text-to-speech. Speech is high quality Australian RealSpeak male or female voice. Access is via the keyboard or switch/scanning. Built-in environmental control is available.

Generating messages on the Allora is simple. Text is typed using the keyboard, and this appears in the 40 character display. The text is spoken when <enter> is pressed, or after each word if ‘wordecho’ is activated.
Word prediction is available. Prediction options appear in the second line of the display. Allora predicts the next word according to its knowledge of word pairs. This can reduce keystrokes by approximately 50%. Words can be added to and removed from the dictionary.

Communication speed may also be enhanced by the use of pre-programmed messages and abbreviations. One hundred and eleven messages can be stored under key sequences of Function (Fn) plus another key or Shift plus another key. Each message can have a maximum of 1000 characters. Abbreviations can also be stored for example ASAP = as soon as possible.

Specifications

• Overall size | 260 x 165 x 40-60 mm
• Weight | 1 kg
• Display | LCD 2 lines, 40 characters
• Power | internal rechargeable battery pack, automatic power down after specified period of time, stand-by mode, battery indicator, full charge = 5 hours, available power = full day of average use.
• Keyboard access | parameters can be changed for acceptance time (how long key must be held before acceptance as selection), post selection delay (tremor delay).
• ABCD layout is available - must be specified at the time of ordering
• Speech output | voice can be set to male or female, speech rate can be changed, volume can be varied, word echo can be turned on or off.
• Word prediction | Allora has an internal dictionary of around 25,000 words. Words can easily be added or deleted. The Allora has a knowledge of word pairs enabling the next word to be predicted. Minimal word length can be set so prediction will not commence until after words of this length. Prediction can be turned off if preferred.
• Punctuation adjustments can be set e.g. automatic capitals after punctuation, and automatic space after a word.
• Pronunciation exceptions can be stored (upgrade March 2008)
• Stored messages | 111 messages can be stored under Function plus another key. Abbreviations can be stored under letter sequences.
• Internal real time clock | speak or read date and time
• Scanning | in-built using alphanumeric matrix, of 9 lines of 5 characters. One ine is displayed at a time.
• USB connection | connection to PC using supplied cable and Allora Tools. This can be used to upgrade to new firmware versions, to program and link messages, sounds or music with key sequences, to define abbreviations or manipulate wav or mp3 files in the Allora memory.
• Printing | it is now possible to print from the Allora. Stored messages can be printed from a computer using the Allora Tools software. (upgrade Mar 2008)
• Also available in French, German, Dutch, Italian and Swedish.

Supplied with charger, manual, carry bag, Allora tools CD and USB cable