1. The following instructions provide general guidance on how to set up and test the print-compatible 8-dot computer Braille Code “COBRA” with your equipment. For specifics on how to connect cables or change settings on your particular devices, consult the relevant documentation.
2. For a complete list of COBRA symbols as well as guidelines for using them, see the publication, "COBRA - Braille Access to Computers with a Print-Compatible code," available in print, braille, and electronic format from the Foundation for Blind Children, www.seeitourway.org. For additional assistance on setting up or using COBRA, contact Imke Durre at cobra@shellworld.net or Inge Durre at idurre@seeitourway.org.
3. Using COBRA on a braille notetaker
3.1. On your note taker, change the braille input and output settings to allow for 8-dot computer braille. Depending on your notetaker, several settings may need to be changed. On the BrailleNote, for example, there are separate settings for 8-dot/6-dot braille input, 8-dot/6-dot braille output, computer braille/grade 1/grade 2 input, and computer braille/grade 1/grade 2 output.
3.2. If desired, and if available on your notetaker, create a new braille table consisting of the COBRA dot combinations for a variety of mathematical, foreign language, and other special symbols. If possible, do this by editing the table for US computer braille and saving the edited table under a new name, e.g. Cobra. Consult the COBRA booklet for a complete list of symbols. Alternative notations that do not require any special setup are also provided within this booklet.
3.3. To test the new settings, open a new file in the word processor of your notetaker and experiment with typing in 8-dot computer braille.
3.4. To test the usage of peripheral devices such as monitor or LCD display, print printer, and USB drive, connect these devices to the notetaker, following the instructions provided in relevant documentation.
3.5. To test the printing of files written using COBRA, print your experimental file. Show the print out to a print reader to determine whether what appears in print is what you had intended. Also obtain feedback on the formatting of your document. Make any necessary adjustments to your typing or formatting until the appearance of your document is satisfactory. For troubleshooting printing problems, consult the documentation for your notetaker and printer.
3.6. If desired, also ensure that what you're typing can be viewed on a monitor or LCD display.
3.7. Save a file on an external storage device such as a USB flash drive and test whether the file is readable on a computer.
4. Using your notetaker as a braille terminal to a computer
4.1. Connect your notetaker, printer, and monitor to the computer as instructed in the documentation for these devices. Turn on and boot all devices.
4.2. Set the screen reader to allow 8-dot computer braille output. If permitted by your notetaker and screenreader, also turn on relevant settings allowing for 8-dot computer braille entry.
4.3. Create a new braille table in your screenreader containing the COBRA dot assignments. If possible, do this by editing the table for US computer braille and saving the edited table under a new name, e.g. Cobra.
4.4. Open a new file in Microsoft Word and experiment with typing and reading 8-dot computer braille.
4.5. Print your experimental file. Show the print out to a print reader to determine whether what appears in print is what you had intended. Also obtain feedback on the formatting of your document.
Last updated 31 May 2008 by Imke Durre