Communicator 5
Training Cards
These are your Communicator 5 Training Cards and they will help you get
started with your new device. Included are ideas for everyday use as well as step-
by-step instructions for basic editing.
Communicator 5 oers a wide array of communication pages and onscreen keyboards
as well as easy-to-use tools for e-mail, text messaging, telephone, IR remote controls
and much more.
QR Codes & Device Care
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Communicator 5 Glossary
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myTobiiDynavox.com & Additional Support
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Editing Your Home Page & Message Banking
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Frequently Asked Questions & Lets Explore!
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Speak & Changing Keyboard Layouts
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My Phrases & Email
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IR Remote Control & Calendar
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Text Messaging & My Text Files
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Camera and My Pictures & Additional Features
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Windows Access & Important Information
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Computer Access Options & Control
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Backing Up/Exporting Profiles & Getting Started Guide
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Contents
QR Codes
Android Users
You can get a free QR Code reader from
the Google play store. Search QR Scanner
or QR Reader to locate some.
Windows Users
Download a free QR code reader app
from the Windows store. Search “QR
scanner” or “QR reader” to find options.
iOS Users
In iOS 11, QR Code Scanning is built in and
all you need to do is open your Camera
app, point it towards the QR Code and a
notification will appear.
If you have not updated or are unable
to update to iOS 11, you will need to
download a QR Code scanner app. There
are many on the App Store that are free
and for purchase.
We use QR Codes within this document to give you quick
access to information such as videos without having to type in
web addresses.
You can use your mobile phone or tablet device to scan the QR
Code. The information will then pop up automatically.
If you do not have a QR code reader app on your device you can
follow these instructions:
Device Care
Our devices are built dierently than regular laptops or tablets.
They are built to last with a fast, solid-state hard drive that withstands impact and
IP54 classification for proven resistance to moisture and dust. In addition, the screen is
damage-resistant Gorilla Glass™.
Feel free to take your device with you wherever
you go and have confidence in its durability.
Using your device in the light rain?
No problem! Your device is designed to withstand splashing water. Make sure the port
covers are in place when you are out and about and that will give you time to get out of
the rain.
Using your device at dinner?
No problem. Just wipe the screen down with a damp cloth if needed.
Do not use spray
products that may
saturate the device.
Cleaning:
Before cleaning, shut the device down
and unplug all cables.
Antibacterial wipes can be used.
Wipe only outer surfaces and allow the
product to dry naturally.
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Cable Care:
When charging the device, keep it close
to the power outlet to avoid accidentally
pulling on the cables and connectors.
The power cable should not be coiled
tightly, twisted, or wrapped around
anything.
Caring for your device is important and easy to do.
Communicator 5 Glossary Communicator 5 Glossary
Button
An item on the page that the user can
select containing a sound, a letter, a word,
or a sentence. A button can also change
a setting.
Page
A screen where a set of buttons can be
seen at one time. Buttons on the page can
link to another page to show new content.
Page Set
A collection of pages often based on a
topic. For example, a page set could be
based on content related to emailing or
texting, common phrases, or a customized
page such as a page with content related
to a favorite tv show. A page set can be
one page or multiple pages.
User
A User Profile contains all of the individual’s
page sets, settings, phrases, and contacts.
Input Method
The way an individual activates buttons
on the screen. There are four choices in
Communicator 5.
Gaze Interaction
Use eye gaze to access the device.
Touch/Mouse
Press the touch screen or left-click with
a mouse.
Mouse Dwell
Hold the mouse cursor steady over
an area for a predefined amount of
time. This eliminates the need to click
a mouse.
Scanning
Select a button once it is highlighted
using a switch.
Quick Menu
Gives easy access to the functions and
commands you will use the most when
navigating and personalizing your home
page. This menu is only accessible by
touch or with a mouse.
Activate it these dierent ways:
Right click.
Press and hold screen.
Word Prediction
Word prediction is an automatic prediction
engine that uses grammar and spelling to
make typing faster. The word prediction
buttons change as you type.
Settings
Settings Menu is accessible to the user
with any input method.
The Settings Menu provides a way
to change volume, brightness, input
settings, keyboard settings and more.
Access the Settings menu on the
Home Page.
Advanced Settings
Advanced Settings are items that are
only able to be accessed by touch or
with a mouse.
Find Advanced Settings on the
Quick Menu.
There are six tabs here:
Input
Keyboard and Language
Sound
Applications
User Setup
System
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Home Page
The starting page (or main page) that links
the user to other page sets such as the
keyboard, email, and more.
Settings
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Select Text Communication.
Browse through various page sets that
are oered.
Select desired item.
Select Add to Home Page.
Select the item you want to remove.
Select Remove.
In the popup window select
Remove to confirm.
Editing your Home Page Message Banking
It is important to start the process as early as
possible so that the quality and clarity of your
speech can be captured.
Helpful Hints
The items provided on the Home Page are only suggestions. You
may remove and add additional items as needed.
Message banking is a way to preserve your own natural voice
through recorded messages. These messages can be used later in
communication software such as Communicator 5.
Removing a Page Set:
Select the Edit Home Page.
Adding a Page Set:
Select All Page Sets.
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Scan this code
for more
information on
message banking
Message Banking Basics
The Tobii Dynavox Message Bank provides a free way for
you to collect, organize, and store recorded messages
until they are needed. Messages can be downloaded and
used on any system that can play back those messages.
Step 1: Choose the messages to record and store.
Spend some time thinking about important phrases,
messages, and stories that are important to you.
Step 2: Record your messages.
There are two ways to record messages.
Record message directly into Communicator 5.
Record messages into a high-quality digital recorder
and upload them to the Tobii Dynavox Message Bank.
We recommend Zoom H1 Portable Digital Recorder.
Step 3: Download banked messages to
Communicator 5.
Import your .wav audio files from the .ziped message
bank file.
Recordings are automatically imported to the
“My Phrases” area and added to Phrase pages.
Messages are categorized by tags you’ve assigned in
the message bank and used in prediction.
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Helpful Hint
Enable the status bar on your home page to be able to quickly monitor your eye
gaze track status, device battery usage, and Wi-Fi connection status.
These steps are only accessible using touch or a mouse.
Open the Quick Menu.
Select Advanced Settings.
Select System.
Select Enable Status Bar.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who might benefit from message banking?
Anyone with a degenerative disease such as Amyotrophic
Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Motor Neuron Disease (MND) or
Parkinsons Disease, individuals requiring total glossecto-
my or total laryngectomy, or those with planned hospital
procedures requiring intubation or vent dependency may
be good candidates for message banking.
Do I need to calibrate every time I use
my device?
No. Your calibration profile will be saved. However if you
find that it is not accurate, check your track status and
if you are sitting in a very bright space such as next to a
window consider drawing the curtains. You can always
recalibrate if you prefer.
What can I do if I’m having trouble
calibrating my device?
Scan the QR code above to troubleshoot calibration.
Can I use my device for long distance
communication like phone and texting?
Yes! You can use Communicator 5 to send emails and text
messages.
Is there a solution if an individual has a
physical disability and is unable to touch a
communication board?
Yes! There are a variety of ways someone can make
selections on an AAC device. This is often referred to as
the access method. Individuals who are not able to
touch the screen can use eye gaze, head pointer or
scanning as their primary mode of selection. Scan this
code to see a video about input (access) methods on
high tech AAC devices.
Scan this QR code
to troubleshoot
calibration.
Scan this code to
see a video about
access methods on
high tech devices.
Lets Explore!
Common mistakes to avoid:
You don’t need to create something from scratch. We’ve built the framework, so
familiarize yourself with the Communicator 5 software and customize as needed.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself or the user. Completing every task with
accuracy at the beginning is not realistic. It’s okay to make mistakes.
Don’t get frustrated. Eye tracking is a learned skill and requires practice. Make sure to
take breaks as needed.
Take advantage of these activities to become familiar with
your device.
Time savers:
Capitalization does not matter if you are using the device to speak.
Take advantage of abbreviation expansion and word prediction.
Preparation is the key. Many interactions you will have are predictable so add
important phrases to have quick access without having to type every time.
Be sure you have a backup method of communication.
Scan this QR code
to access low tech
communication
boards
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Computer Access Options Computer Control
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Computer Control takes advantage of a new and intuitive
selection method called Interaction First. Select the item you want
to interact with, such as a file or a desktop link, then choose what
you want to do with it.
Communicator 5
Windows Access
How does this software work?
Computer
Control
How does this software work?
Uses an interaction menu (menu surrounds
the item you want to select) to allow you
to interact with items on your computer
including desktop apps and the internet.
How can I access this software?
Use your eyes to control your computer
using Computer Control software.
What does the keyboard look like?
The keyboard has been specially designed
to optimize your access to the things you
need quickly and eciently.
Uses a side menu to allow you to interact
with your items on your computer including
desktop apps and the internet.
How can I access this software?
Use your eyes or a switch to access
your desktop.
What does the keyboard look like?
Various keyboard layouts are available
that match the keyboard layouts
in Communicator 5 allowing quick
familiarization.
How can I speed up my typing?
Both software applications include word prediction to speed up your typing.
Word prediction learns words that you use frequently. Phrases you use and save in
Communicator 5 will also be available.
What languages are available?
Both software applications are available in multiple languages. Check tobiidynavox.com
for the most up to date information.
How does it work?
As you look around the screen you will see a faint “trace
following your gaze.
To interact with an icon or onscreen button, look at
the item and the trace will change, revealing the
activator button.
Look at the activator button for the full interaction menu
to appear. Clockwise from the top you have icons for
scrolling, right click, keyboard, adjusting your accuracy,
click and drag, left click and double left click.
Select the function you require. For example, to open
google Chrome from the desktop look at the double click
icon to launch the application. If you are aiming for a
small target, ensure that it is the center of the circle. You
can use the adjust function to achieve this.
The more button allows you to do the following: Access
settings, calibrate, pause eye gaze, use continuous
clicking, switch apps and access shortcuts.
Windows Access
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Support and Training:
Technical Support Number:
www.tobiidynavox.com/support-training
1-800-344-1778 ext. 1
Important Information
Notes:
Windows Access allows you to control your computer
by using functions built in to Communicator 5.
Windows Access menu bar can be positioned on the
side or bottom of your screen.
Accessing Programs:
Program launch, available on windows
access menu page 2, will allow you to
launch your frequently used software.
To add or change your chosen programs,
you can add and remove through your
Windows Access Settings.
Clicking in Windows Access:
You can Left Click, Right Click and double
click. Two selection methods:
Windows Access settings are located
on page 2 of your setting options.
Hover to Click:
Hover over your
chosen target for a
click to take place.
Zoom to Click:
Hover over your
chosen target for
the zoom to start. At
the end of the zoom
time the click will
take place.
Speak
Familiarize yourself with the layout of your keyboard
in Speak. The goal is to help you communicate as
fast and ecient as possible.
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Practice Steps:
Start typing words on the
keyboard (family members names,
favorite places, etc). If you want
additional practice, type answers
to these questions.
What is your favorite color?
What books do you like to read?
What kind of movies do you like?
Did you know...
The more you type a
word the more likely it will
appear in word prediction?
Did you know...
You can have dierent keyboard
layouts? See Changing Keyboard
Layouts card.
Practice word and phrase
prediction:
Begin typing answers to the questions
below. After you type 1 or 2 letters,
check the word prediction buttons to
see if the word is there.
What country would you like to
travel to?
If you could be any animal what
would you be and why?
Use your device in real life. Practice using the keyboard and prediction
buttons in the following situations:
Share information on what you did last night or over the weekend.
Discuss a recent news story.
Select the keyboard and view to see what it will look like.
If you want to change the organization of the type of keyboard
you have chosen, select QWERTY/ABC.
There are four choices there:
QWERTY is the typical keyboard layout seen on keyboards.
ABC is an alphabetical layout.
Scanning is an optimized layout for people using a switch as an input method.
Pointer is an optimized layout for people using a pointer as an input method.
Changing Keyboard Layouts
Settings Menu
Select Settings.
Select Keyboard Settings. Various screenshots of keyboard layouts will appear. There
are three main layouts.
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There are various keyboard layouts you can choose from in
Communicator 5.
Regular (default) Grid Large Keys
Organization
(described below)
QWERTY, ABC, SCAN,
Pointer
ABC, SCAN,
Pointer
ABC, SCAN, Pointer
Prediction
Word and Phrase
Prediction
None Word Prediction
Button Size
Small Medium Large
Keyguard
No Yes Yes
Extras
Large message
window for creating
multi-line messages
and text.
Suitable for eye
tracking. Large
target area.
Multi-hit letter
selection for users
who require larger
buttons.
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My Phrases Email
My Phrases page set consists of your message
history and space to add your own phrases. Having
prestored phrases about important topics can allow
you to communicate quickly without having to type
out entire messages.
Email will allow you to easily and eciently send,
receive and manage email messages. To set up
your email you will need someone who can touch
the screen.
Think about categories (situations) and phrases you want to quickly access.
Examples include appointments, at a restaurant, getting together with friends, etc.
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Now that it’s set up, let’s try it!
Send an email.
Read an email.
Reply to an email.
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Steps
Open the Quick Menu.
Select Advanced Settings.
Select Applications.
Select Email.
Select New.
Select your email provider (Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail,
Outlook, Live or GMX). If your email is not listed choose
Configure Manually, contact your email provider to
get correct server information.
Select Next.
Select Finish and Okay to close menu.
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Practice using the phrases you have added and continue to add more as needed.
Once you have added your phrases, select each phrase to get familiar with what it
says and where it is located. Adjust the phrases or locations as needed.
Adding a new Category:
Select Add New Category.
Type in Category Name.
Select done.
Adding a new Phrase:
Choose Category for new phrase.
Select Add New Phrase.
Type phrase.
Select done.
For information
regarding settings
for specific email
providers (types of
attachments, etc)
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Helpful Hint
If you don’t see a variety of phrase categories, you may need to import
them. To import phrases, select Advanced Settings → Keyboards and
Languages → Phrases → Import and follow the onscreen prompts.
IR Remote Control
You need to teach the device specific commands to set up IR functions.
For example, for the television you need power, volume up/down, channel
up/down, etc.
Your home page has full remote control pages for the tv, DVD player, stereo
and radio. There are simple pages that you can add to the home page if you
don’t want every function.
Get the remote control for the device you want to program.
Get your communication device.
Go to your Remote Control page and select the button you want the function to
be programmed.
A pop up will appear telling you there is no command
programmed.
Select Yes to program a new command.
Point the remote at the IR receiver located on the back
of the communication device.
Follow the onscreen prompts.
Once completed you will be returned to the page set.
The button will change color if it has been successfully programmed.
Try the button before going on to the next button.
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IR remote control functions allow you to operate
entertainment devices like the tv, DVD or radio.
You can also control environmental devices such
as lighting, doors and bed adjustments with
additional equipment.
Helpful Hint
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You can also use your device with smart assistants such has Alexa and
Google Home.
Calendar
The Calendar will allow you to set appointments
and reminders.
Steps
Select Calendar from your Home Page.
The current date will be highlighted in yellow.
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To add an appointment:
Go to the date of your appointment.
Select New.
Type in the name of your appointment.
Select the start and end time.
You can select to have a reminder activated.
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Text Messaging
You can send and receive text messages by
connecting a cell phone to your device via
Bluetooth. To set up your phone you will need
someone who can touch the screen.
Scan this QR code
to see a list of
compatible phones.
Access the Quick Menu.
Select Advanced Settings.
Select Applications.
Select Mobile Phone.
On your phone, install the Tobii Dynavox Beam
app (BETA).
Run the app and select Connect Phone.
Turn on Bluetooth and pair your phone.
Now that your phone is up and running try it out!
Text someone a quick message. Ask them to text you back so you can make sure it
is working.
My Text Files
My Text Files allows you to save long files. Examples
include personal stories, speeches or presentations.
Saving and organizing your files here allows you to
easily access them and control when to start and
stop speaking.
Creating a new Text File:
Select New.
Begin typing in the content of your file. You will name the file later.
Once you are finished, select done.
A pop up will appear that show the file name and content. By
default, the first part of what you typed will appear in the file name.
To change this, select the keyboard icon next to the file name.
Select the clear button.
Type in the new file name.
Select Save.
You can always come back to your file and edit it.
Select the file name in the left column.
Select the Edit button.
Edit your document or add to it.
To speak your file:
Select the file name in the left column.
Select Speak Text.
To stop it from speaking select Stop Speaking.
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Camera and My Pictures
Take, save, and organize your pictures
using Camera and My Pictures.
Pictures taken with the Camera are automatically saved to the Pictures folder
on the device and will automatically appear in My Pictures.
My Pictures accesses your Pictures folder on your device.
You can filter them by:
All Pictures
Recently Added
Date
Camera
Folder
If you select View you can:
Rotate the picture left or right
Add a description
Print
Delete
Slide Show begins presenting pictures in order by advancing automatically.
You can select a Slow, Medium, or Fast pace. You can also manually advance
the pictures.
Additional Features
Alarm
Gain peoples attention quickly using the Alarm button on your
Home Page.
Music Player
The Music Player allows you to play music from your device. Since this
is a very simple music player, we recommend no more than three or
four albums be loaded. To load music, you must be able to access
the Quick Menu either by touch or by using a mouse.
You will need to add Music Player to your Home Page. See card #3 Editing your
Home Page for instructions.
Before loading music into the software, you need to copy the music files to a folder on
the device and then either add it to the music library or copy the music to one of the
folders already listed.
Open the Quick Menu.
Select Advanced Settings.
Select Applications.
Select Music Player.
Check the box that says Rebuild Music Library now so the files can be added to the
Music Player.
Select OK.
Exit Advanced Settings.
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Backing Up/Exporting Profiles
Open the Quick Menu.
Select Advanced Settings.
Select User Setup.
Select Import/Export which will open a wizard to assist you.
Select Export Selected Settings and Data.
Select Next.
Select Standard Export (standard export will collect all of the user’s page sets,
settings, recorded sounds/phrases, contacts, dictionaries and grammar settings).
Select Next.
Name the archive–we recommend using the users name and date.
Choose where to save the backup–we recommend saving it on an external USB
memory device.
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It’s very important to back-up any personalized page sets and user
data in case something happens to your device. This feature is only
accessible using touch or a mouse.
Getting Started Guide
For more detailed instructions and information about
Communicator 5 check out the Getting Started Guide.
Getting Started
Guide
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Additional Support
Discover Tobii Dynavox App: bit.ly/TDDiscover
Community: bit.ly/TDFBCommunity
North America Technical Support: 1-800-344-1778 ext. 1
#12007995 Tobii Dynavox Communicator Training Cards v.1.0 - en-US
myTobiiDynavox.com
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