----- Original Message -----
From: "chris judge" <chrisjudge1967@gmail.com>
To: <main@TechTalk.groups.io>
Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 5:36 PM
Subject: Re: [TechTalk] MY AUDIO ISSUES


Some higher end ones might have detachable cables, but I don't think I've ever seen such.

-----Original Message-----
From: main@TechTalk.groups.io <main@TechTalk.groups.io> On Behalf Of Gene
Sent: June 9, 2020 4:25 PM
To: main@TechTalk.groups.io
Subject: Re: [TechTalk] MY AUDIO ISSUES

I've used headphones for quite a while and I don't recall if my speakers had wires permanently connected. If so, and if that is what is generally done, I consider it bad design. I think speakers should be able to be connected to wires, you would plug into the computer so that if they become damaged, they can be easily replaced.

Gene
-----Original Message-----
From: chris judge
Sent: Tuesday, June 09, 2020 12:12 PM
To: main@TechTalk.groups.io
Subject: Re: [TechTalk] MY AUDIO ISSUES

Interesting. I can't recall ever seeing a set of computer speakers that didn't have the cables permanently attached.

-----Original Message-----
From: main@TechTalk.groups.io <main@TechTalk.groups.io> On Behalf Of Gene
Sent: June 9, 2020 12:26 PM
To: main@TechTalk.groups.io
Subject: Re: [TechTalk] MY AUDIO ISSUES

That's really bad design, ever having a cable permanently connected to a speaker.

Gene
-----Original Message-----
From: heather albright
Sent: Tuesday, June 09, 2020 10:24 AM
To: main@TechTalk.groups.io
Subject: Re: [TechTalk] MY AUDIO ISSUES

I cant get another cable because the cable that has a short is connected permanently to the right speaker. I did get another cable, the one that connected to the pc audio jack.My main issues is to find a pare of speakers that has a long cord between them. I need about six feet to go across my work area. All the USB speakers, have short cords. I am looking for another
2.0 or 2.1 satellite speaker system! I just will not use the brand of speakers I had before. It claimed life time coverage and they refused to honor it! Thanks Heather
----- Original Message -----
From: "Gene" <gsasner@gmail.com>
To: <main@TechTalk.groups.io>
Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 10:11 AM
Subject: Re: [TechTalk] MY AUDIO ISSUES

Why not just get another cable? You would save a lot of money. If
the speakers stay in one place, that would be by far the cheapest way
to solve the problem if it is the cable.

Gene
----- Original Message -----
-----Original Message-----
From: heather albright
Sent: Monday, June 08, 2020 8:24 PM
To: TechTalk@groups.io
Subject: [TechTalk] MY AUDIO ISSUES



Well, I am thinking after all my testing that one of my speakers has a
short in it! So has anyone heard of a set of speakers that does not
rely on a cable to connect the other speaker. That one has to rely on
a connecting cable to pare both speakers? I refuse to buy a set of
speakers where one always has a connecting wire to it, rather just
have one that allows one to connect both speakers manually! My speaker
with the wire is the one with the short. I had to reconnect the
speakers to the pc with a different audio cable to figure out it was
not the audio sound card. I am not very technical about what you would
call a set of speakers connected by a cable instead of one speaker
having a wire that connect to the other speaker. I want to avoid this
issue if the one with the wire has the short again! I only had these
speakers for 5 years, my others lasted 10 years and I actually gave
them to someone when I moved! Thanks Heather

Hi

 

Could I please have the subscription info for the blind trainer's mailing list that’s being discussed? As I've just started up my access technology training business, I would find this list quite valuable.

 

Thanks very much

Debbie

 

Thanks

From: main@TechTalk.groups.io <main@TechTalk.groups.io> On Behalf Of Doug Rose
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 10:46 AM
To: main@TechTalk.groups.io
Subject: Re: [TechTalk] Looking for NIMH battery charger advice

 

Hi, CareTec as far as I know still makes thee kinds of items. 

Talking Battery Charger Manufacturer CareTec

http://www.caretec.at/Products.31.0.html?&cHash=6ede08e7dbe1a0e35f452ae96314a24c&detail=3414

 

Sold in US by Blind Mice Mega Mall

https://www.blindmicemegamall.com/bmm/shop/Item_Detail?itemid=3873466

 

 

Wooffy Battery Tester manufacturer CareTec

http://www.caretec.at/Electronics.1192.0.html?&cHash=66bb8f0efaa0686a37293b2d159e49f3&detail=1609

 

Sold by blind Mice Megamall

https://www.blindmicemegamall.com/bmm/shop/Item_Detail?itemid=3784573

 

 

 

 

On 6/10/2020 12:06 PM, Fanus wrote:

Hello list
Can one still upgrade for free. I did the upgrade on my win7 laptop two or
so years ago but now I had a hard drive crash and I had to format it and I
installed Windows 7 again to be able to use that product key. Am I now stuck
to win7 unless I pay for win10?
Regards
Fanus

On 6/10/2020 12:40 PM, Gene wrote:

I don't know how chargers work technically these days.  In the old days, you could put your ear next to a charger and the hum would be different if the batteries are charging.  It would be a rougher sound.  Also, as I said, there are light detectors.

I had a charger where there was nothing wrong with the batteries and it is very unlikely there is anything wrong with any of yours.  But for some reason, the contacts didn't make proper contact with some of the batteries as I continued to use the charger.  I put the batteries in the charger, and would turn one or more batteries until I heard the charger make a different charging hum when I put my ear to it.  I think I would listen, turn, again put my ear to the charger, turn if necessary, etc.  It may have been annoying to hear the sound of turning the batteries with my ear touching the charger so I would listen, move my ear away, turn one or more batteries, and so on.  And of course, using a light detector would accomplish the same thing.

Also, in case of unexpected problems, it would be a good idea to keep a set of alcaline batteries of the kinds you use so that, if unexpectedly necessary, you can use nonrechargeable batteries. These batteries keep their charge a long time, about two years.

Gene
-----Original Message----- From: Steven Johnson
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 9:53 AM
To: main@TechTalk.groups.io
Subject: Re: [TechTalk] Looking for NIMH battery charger advice



But what if one of my batteries has gone bad and the charger is flashing to indicate that a battery is not charging and I needed them to record a meeting?  I have just charged my batteries for 6 hours in vain, and do not have functioning batteries for my recorder.  If someone definitely knows of a charger that indicates when charging is complete with an audible notification, that information would be welcome.  Thanks everyone.





From: main@TechTalk.groups.io <main@TechTalk.groups.io> On Behalf Of Gerald Levy via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 7:20 AM
To: main@TechTalk.groups.io
Subject: Re: [TechTalk] Looking for NIMH battery charger advice







It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on an audible battery charger,if such a device even exists in the first place.   I have a simple and inexpensive DuraCell AA and AAA battery charger which has no audible feedback.  So i simply plug it in for six hours with a pair of batteries to ensure that they get fully recharged. I know that the charger is working because the batteries become warm to the touch while they are recharging. Six hours is the recommended charging time for NiMH batteries, which should last about 500 recharging cycles, so they should last a long time before they go bad .



Gerald







On 6/10/2020 9:22 AM, Steven Johnson wrote:



Hi everyone.  I have several sets of AA and AAA rechargeable batteries that I use, and I am trying to find an affordable charger that will beep or give some sort of audible indication when my batteries are finished charging, or if they are going bad.  I can’t always ask the wife to tell me when the lights are green or if they are flashing.  Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

-----Original Message-----
From: Sharon Hooley
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 12:01 PM
To: main@TechTalk.groups.io
Subject: Re: [TechTalk] training materials

Gene,

What info are you talking about? I'm not sure if I have that message.

Thanks,


On 6/10/2020 10:42 AM, Gene wrote:

Thank you.

Gene
-----Original Message----- From: E.M. Kirtley
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 10:47 AM
To: main@TechTalk.groups.io
Subject: [TechTalk] training materials

Hello Gene, I am sorry I didn't mention you made materials on different
subjects. I have learned a lot on these lists, but things keep changing,
and no one seems to want to train people who don't get it right away.

I want to thank you for your contributions over the years. Stay well, and I
will keep your information on a thumb drive separate from this computer
(which may go on the blink any time), smile.

Cordially, Ms. Ethel Kirtley

One of the mailing lists to which I'm subscribed is for trainers who provide technology training to the visually impaired. Truth be told I haven't done regular formal training in over four years but I do provide training and assistance to friends and I regularly help out on various lists and other forums where I can. Anyway, I posted the following message to that list regarding what I think is a real need for good, comprehensive training products for users who are either new or inexperienced with Windows. There is a surprisingly small amount of such products and I feel that it's time for that to change. Please consider reading the below message and let me know what you honestly think, even if you feel that there really isn't the need for this sort of material. Here is what I posted.


Hello. I am working with a couple of friends who are new or at least inexperienced in using Windows 10 with a screen reader. One user has not used a Windows computer in quite some time and so she would need a tutorial to guide her not only with introducing her to a screen reader but to the Windows operating system itself. In the early days of Windows 3.1 and the Windows 95/98 era there were a few such products in existence. I am honestly amazed at how few of these tutorials are actually available today covering the use of Windows 10 from the perspective of a very new visually impaired user. I realize that there is no shortage of competent trainers but some users may not be able to afford the services of one on one training. However, they might be willing to purchase a prepackaged tutorial. I realize that there are perhaps many challenges to a one size fits all approach and some might very correctly argue that having customized one on one training is ultimately better for the user since the trainer can more easily adapt to the needs and learning style of the user. This is certainly a valid point and one which I would not debate. However, I have fond memories of some very good training materials from some very talented trainers. The "Speaking Of" series from Krista Earl comes to mind and I had the opportunity to meet Krista about four years ago and I wasted no time in telling her that this new generation of computer users needs her talents. Braille tutorials would also be nice and would be very inclusive for those who are deaf-blind. I'd love to produce one myself but I not only detest the sound of my own voice but I'm a bit of a newcomer myself when it comes to audio production.

I guess that I'll finish up with two questions. First, what tutorials are currently available covering Windows 10 from the perspective of a total novice? Second, have any of you considered producing one? I can almost guarantee that you'd find that many people would gladly purchase it. I realize the irony of the catch 22 situation where promoting such a product on the Web might not actually reach the very people being targeted since many of them aren't savvy when it comes to Web navigation. To that objection I offer the following responses for your consideration.

First, if your tutorial or tutorials are thorough many people who are already online might still purchase them if they feel that they will be able to learn even more or to perhaps fill in any missing gaps in their knowledge. For that matter I'd likely purchase it myself if I knew it would be comprehensive even though I've been using Windows competently since the Windows 3.1 days as there are always new things I know I could learn or perhaps more efficient methods of performing certain tasks that I already perform. I acknowledge that I'm good at what I do but I also acknowledge that I don't know everything.

Second, people like me or others in the assistive technology field would surely be happy to promote anyone's product if it's good, presented well and if it's comprehensive and user friendly.

Third, you could always advertise in periodicals such as the Braille Forum or the Braille Monitor which reaches a very wide and diverse audience. You could ask an organization like Computers for the Blind to mention you as a potential resource by including your information along with every computer they sell. In fact, you could create a mini tutorial for free and ask if they'd be willing to distribute it with their computers and the tutorial could mention a more complete package with your company's contact information.

I'd welcome your input on this topic. I think there is a real need for good, comprehensive training materials either in Braille, in an audio format or, ideally, both. I will likely attempt to do this myself but in my case it's likely going to take a bit of time.

On 6/10/2020 10:42 AM, Gene wrote:

Thank you.

Gene
-----Original Message----- From: E.M. Kirtley
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 10:47 AM
To: main@TechTalk.groups.io
Subject: [TechTalk] training materials

Hello Gene,  I am sorry I didn't mention you made materials on different
subjects.  I have learned a lot on these lists, but things keep changing,
and no one seems to want to train people who don't get it right away.

I want to thank you for your contributions over the years.  Stay well, and I
will keep your information on a thumb drive separate from this computer
(which may go on the blink any time), smile.

Cordially,  Ms. Ethel Kirtley

-----Original Message-----
From: E.M. Kirtley
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 10:47 AM
To: main@TechTalk.groups.io
Subject: [TechTalk] training materials

Hello Gene, I am sorry I didn't mention you made materials on different
subjects. I have learned a lot on these lists, but things keep changing,
and no one seems to want to train people who don't get it right away.

I want to thank you for your contributions over the years. Stay well, and I
will keep your information on a thumb drive separate from this computer
(which may go on the blink any time), smile.

Cordially, Ms. Ethel Kirtley

-----Original Message-----
From: Steven Johnson
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 9:53 AM
To: main@TechTalk.groups.io
Subject: Re: [TechTalk] Looking for NIMH battery charger advice



But what if one of my batteries has gone bad and the charger is flashing to indicate that a battery is not charging and I needed them to record a meeting? I have just charged my batteries for 6 hours in vain, and do not have functioning batteries for my recorder. If someone definitely knows of a charger that indicates when charging is complete with an audible notification, that information would be welcome. Thanks everyone.





From: main@TechTalk.groups.io <main@TechTalk.groups.io> On Behalf Of Gerald Levy via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 7:20 AM
To: main@TechTalk.groups.io
Subject: Re: [TechTalk] Looking for NIMH battery charger advice







It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on an audible battery charger,if such a device even exists in the first place. I have a simple and inexpensive DuraCell AA and AAA battery charger which has no audible feedback. So i simply plug it in for six hours with a pair of batteries to ensure that they get fully recharged. I know that the charger is working because the batteries become warm to the touch while they are recharging. Six hours is the recommended charging time for NiMH batteries, which should last about 500 recharging cycles, so they should last a long time before they go bad .



Gerald







On 6/10/2020 9:22 AM, Steven Johnson wrote:



Hi everyone. I have several sets of AA and AAA rechargeable batteries that I use, and I am trying to find an affordable charger that will beep or give some sort of audible indication when my batteries are finished charging, or if they are going bad. I can’t always ask the wife to tell me when the lights are green or if they are flashing. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

-----Original Message-----
From: Gerald Levy via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 9:19 AM
To: main@TechTalk.groups.io
Subject: Re: [TechTalk] Looking for NIMH battery charger advice






It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on an audible battery charger,if such a device even exists in the first place. I have a simple and inexpensive DuraCell AA and AAA battery charger which has no audible feedback. So i simply plug it in for six hours with a pair of batteries to ensure that they get fully recharged. I know that the charger is working because the batteries become warm to the touch while they are recharging. Six hours is the recommended charging time for NiMH batteries, which should last about 500 recharging cycles, so they should last a long time before they go bad .




Gerald








On 6/10/2020 9:22 AM, Steven Johnson wrote:


Hi everyone. I have several sets of AA and AAA rechargeable batteries that I use, and I am trying to find an affordable charger that will beep or give some sort of audible indication when my batteries are finished charging, or if they are going bad. I can’t always ask the wife to tell me when the lights are green or if they are flashing. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

From: main@TechTalk.groups.io <main@TechTalk.groups.io> On Behalf Of Gerald Levy via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 7:20 AM
To: main@TechTalk.groups.io
Subject: Re: [TechTalk] Looking for NIMH battery charger advice

 

 

It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on an audible battery charger,if such a device even exists in the first place.   I have a simple and inexpensive DuraCell AA and AAA battery charger which has no audible feedback.  So i simply plug it in for six hours with a pair of batteries to ensure that they get fully recharged.  I know that the charger is working because the batteries become warm to the touch while they are recharging.  Six hours is the recommended charging time for NiMH batteries, which should last about 500 recharging cycles, so they should last a long time before they go bad .

 

Gerald

 

 

Hi everyone.  I have several sets of AA and AAA rechargeable batteries that I use, and I am trying to find an affordable charger that will beep or give some sort of audible indication when my batteries are finished charging, or if they are going bad.  I can’t always ask the wife to tell me when the lights are green or if they are flashing.  Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Hi everyone.  I have several sets of AA and AAA rechargeable batteries that I use, and I am trying to find an affordable charger that will beep or give some sort of audible indication when my batteries are finished charging, or if they are going bad.  I can’t always ask the wife to tell me when the lights are green or if they are flashing.  Thanks in advance for your thoughts.