Light Box Cover
Replacement item for the Light Box (1-08669-00).
$46.55
Catalog Number: 45-052-032
Federal Quota Eligible
1 in stock
product
Due to COVID-19, our Museum and Factory Tours have been temporarily suspended. Due to delivery delays with the USPS, please allow 6 – 8 weeks for delivery on items shipped via Free Matter for the Blind and 3 – 4 weeks for items sent via Priority Mail. If you have any questions, please contact cs@aph.org or call 1-800-223-1839.
CloseProduce high-quality braille and tactile graphics with PixBlaster™!
Detailed and thorough embosser set-up and other training tutorial videos help to make using your embosser in the classroom or at home as easy and efficient as possible.
$3,995.00
Federal Quota Eligible
63 in stock
Catalog Number: 1-08070-00
APH has partnered with ViewPlus Technologies to make an embosser available with Quota funds for the first time ever!
PixBlaster easily produces double-sided interpoint braille with smooth, rounded dots for improved readability along with industry-leading, high-quality tactile graphics with seven variable dot heights for color representation. Connect to Wi-Fi to translate and emboss documents on the fly from your computer or mobile device using the included PIXie box.
Register For Product Warranty and TSS Activation Number
Weight: 19.8 lbs
Dimensions: 10.8 × 21.9 × 6.2 in
Federal Quota Funds: Available
Product Type: Technology
Customer Service and Technical Support
Toll-Free: 800-223-1839 (U.S. and Canada)
Fax: 502-899-2284
Email: cs@aph.org
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00am–8:00pm EST
Catalog Number: 1-08070-00
PixBlaster Drivers
Catalog Number: 1-08070-00
PixBlaster Reset File
Catalog Number: 1-08070-00
PixBlaster Quick Start Guide, Print Edition.
Catalog Number: 1-08070-00
PixBlaster Quick Start Guide, Braille Ready File.
Catalog Number: 1-08070-00
PixBlaster User Guide, Print Edition.
Catalog Number: 1-08070-00
PixBlaster User Guide, Braille Ready File.
Catalog Number: 1-08070-00
PIXie User Guide, Print Edition.
Catalog Number: 1-08070-00
PIXie User Guide, Braille Ready File.
PixBlaster is a lightweight portable embosser that is designed for both business and home use. Enjoy printing braille and tactile images exactly as they appear on your after a fast and easy setup process. PixBlaster also includes the PIXie box for quick Wi-Fi connectivity and printing. PixBlaster also supports Duxbury and other popular braille translation programs.
Yes, absolutely. PixBlaster is used by students and teachers alike. With its industry-leading tactile graphics, PixBlaster is very suitable for classroom use. PixBlaster is also helpful to braille transcribers or any industry that conducts braille production.
Yes, at only 20 pounds and easy to connect, PixBlaster is ideal for office use. With the help of PIXie, you can print from any location.
ViewPlus Columbia 2
Yes, PixBlaster is available with Federal Quota funds for $3,995.
Yes, PixBlaster is priced at $3,995 for cash purchase.
For international sales, please refer to the ViewPlus Technologies website for the Columbia 2 embosser.
The PixBlaster shipping box dimensions are 29” x 18” x 14”.
PixBlaster is quieter than most of its competitors at a maximum level of 70 dB and an operating level that is closer to 60 dB. The amount of noise produced also depends on the braille quality or tactile graphic you are producing.
Yes, it is important to keep all packing material in the rare case that damage occurs during shipping or if the embosser needs to be returned for repair at a later date. Be sure to inspect the embosser when unpacking and checking for damages. If noticeable damage occurred during shipping, notify APH immediately.
IMPORTANT: Save the packing material and shipping box. The packing material must be used to ship PixBlaster for warranty maintenance service and to settle any insurance claim.
The shipping bolt is placed in PixBlaster prior to shipping to avoid the printer head moving within your embosser. Before using, please remove and the shipping bolt and store it in the plastic retaining loops on the inside frame.
IMPORTANT: Before packing up PixBlaster embosser for shipping, please make sure to reinstall the shipping bolt. You may need to tilt the embosser gently to the side with the buttons until you hear a sliding sound to allow complete insertion of the shipping bolt. Screw and tighten the shipping bolt securely. Replace the tape to hold the lid on the embosser. Reinsert PixBlaster into the original plastic bag and add the side-specific foam end caps to the embosser. These shipping instructions are mandatory otherwise the warranty is voided.
There is an external speaker included to access audio messages from PixBlaster. For audio, connect the powered speaker to the embosser using the audio jack on left side of the embosser. Audio messages include status messages, device menu items and commands, error messages, and so on. The speaker must be powered since there is no onboard audio amplifier. To learn more about powering the speaker, refer to the instructions provided with the speaker.
Yes. Many features of PixBlaster are made with accessibility in mind, including accessible labels and buttons on the control panel.
The QR code is located directly on the PixBlaster embosser near the menu buttons. You can also find the QR code on the second page of the Quick-Start Guide.
The American Printing House has furnished several resources for reference. The Quick-Start Guide provides an overview of the PixBlaster embosser, including setup and packing instructions. The PixBlaster User Guide provides in-depth instructions for installation, utilization of transcription software, location of warranty information, and much more. The accompanying PIXie User Guide assists with Wi-Fi connectivity. This Frequently Asked Questions document also contains information on common questions about PixBlaster.
Yes, six training videos are available and cover a variety of topics including the following:
Unpacking and Initial Setup
Installation of PixBlaster
Embosser Setup Using PIXie
Adjusting Settings on the PIXie
Installation of TSS (Tiger Software Suite)
Working with .BBZ Files
The PixBlaster flash drive includes the PixBlaster driver, user guides, and software. Software included consists of APH’s BrailleBlaster and ViewPlus’s Tiger Software Suite (TSS). Note: The PixBlaster flash drive is different from the PIXie flash drive.
A driver is just a way for hardware to interface with your computer. All hardware uses drivers, but most mainstream hardware either uses a standard driver that is easily fetched or already installed with your operating system.
Most often, technology for people with visual impairment is made with manual driver installation because it’s not used widely enough to be easily discovered by Windows® operating systems. A manufacturer can pay to avoid this, but it’s very expensive and not generally worth it at the scale of production.
Yes, PixBlaster is compatible with Mac, PC, and mobile devices. Any device that can access a website can use the PIXie interface to emboss to PixBlaster.
The PIXie box is an accompanying piece of equipment with PixBlaster that allows you to connect wirelessly for quick access to printing.
The PIXie USB flash drive contains a reset file, in the event you were to need it. You can only access PIXie if it is on the same network as you. If you’re on a different network and would like to access PIXie, you’ll need to reset PIXie using this flash drive. Plug in the flash drive, unplug PIXie, and then plug it back in. Once it starts up, wait five minutes and then remove the flash drive. PIXie is now reset, and you can change the Wi-Fi settings so it is on the same network as you.
You can achieve Wi-Fi connectivity in five easy steps, listed below. (Also refer to Getting PIXie Ready for Use in the PIXie User Guide.)
PixBlaster is compatible with Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10, both 32- and 64-bit systems. With PixBlaster you can print from almost any program in the Windows operating system. Read more about the Windows printer driver installation in the section Installing the Software found within the PixBlaster User Guide.
A macOS 10.9 printer driver is also available for the PixBlaster embosser.
The PIXie interface allows any device that can access a webpage to use PixBlaster without any installation required.
Braille: BBZ, BRF, BRL, TXT
Graphics: PRN, PDF, JPG, PNG
Via TSS: DOCX, PDF, Excel
PRN files are embossed by opening them in Tiger Designer and going to File > Emboss.
PRN files are made for specific embossers; open the file in Tiger Designer, go to File > Save and then Save As a PixBlaster PRN. Then you should be fine.
The PixBlaster embosser is compatible with APH’s BrailleBlaster software, Tiger Software Suite (TSS), and third-party products such as Duxbury and Braille2000.
Yes, the PixBlaster embosser is compatible with APH’s BrailleBlaster. Users may also take BBZ files from BrailleBlaster and emboss them directly with PixBlaster using the PIXie interface.
Yes, every PixBlaster comes with a license for Tiger Software Suite that is good for two “seats.” Ex Officio Trustee (EOTs) will want to be careful how they manage these installations because they are tied to the PixBlaster embosser. A seat can be disabled by following the uninstall process and disassociating your seat. You can remotely disable a seat by contacting ViewPlus Customer Service. For installation, please follow the instructions from the setup program. For use of the Tiger Software Suite (TSS), please refer to the TSS User Manual. You may also view the following webinar on TSS.
To obtain your TSS license number, visit Viewplus.com/aph and complete the registration form. You will be asked to enter the purchased embosser’s serial number, the Order Number, and your email address. A 16-digit license number will be emailed to you from ViewPlus Technologies, Inc.
The TSS works for 30 days without a license. We recommend that you complete the license registration form during those first 30 days to avoid any gap in usage of the embosser.
PixBlaster embosses a BRF created using music braille but otherwise cannot within itself create a music braille file. You could use Duxbury, Braille2000, or BrailleBlaster to make a music braille file with different levels of automation for each.
Paper width can vary from 7 to 12 inches (or 176 to 305 millimeters). The paper weight can be 33-120 lbs.
Yes, 8.5″ x 11″ or 11.5″ x 11″ continuous tractor-feed paper is required.
APH currently offers tractor-feed braille paper with Quota Federal funds (Catalog No. 1-04140-01).
Also available from APH with Quota Federal funds are Braillable Labels and Sheets: 8.5 x 11 tractor-feed clear self-adhesive sheets and labels.
To resolve paper jams, see the Resolving Paper Jams section in the PixBlaster User Guide or follow these six steps:
If you are unable to resolve a paper jam, please contact APH directly for additional assistance.
Send an email to cs@aph.org or Call APH Customer Service at +1 (800) 223-1839.
Yes, PixBlaster produces both single-sided braille and double-sided interpoint braille.
PixBlaster has a tactile resolution of 100 DPI (dots per inch).
PixBlaster produces three adjustable braille dot heights, as well as seven variable dot heights to accommodate enhanced tactile graphics.
PixBlaster prints up to 120 characters per second.
With PixBlaster you get to choose your desired braille quality by selecting Draft, Standard, or Best. Printing with Draft dot quality is the faster option. Standard or Best dot quality produces rounder, smoother dots, but slows down the printing process. If using PIXie, braille quality is adjusted via the PIXie interface and is found under the Tiger Tab. There are options for both Braille Quality and Graphics Quality. The Best setting is recommended. It is slower, but produces better quality dots. If you are not using PIXie, access the Printing Preferences as thoroughly explained in the PixBlaster User Guide.
Yes. The PixBlaster will work with any notetaker that has a USB connection and supports CUPS printing. Some examples of notetakers that work with PixBlaster are the BrailleNote Touch+, the BrailleNote Apex, and the BrailleSense U2. It is also possible to emboss via Wi-Fi to the PIXie using a Wi-Fi enabled notetaker. If you are unsure about your notetaker, contact the manufacturer and ask if it supports CUPS printing.
For information on your product warranty, please visit https://viewplus.com/viewplus-support/warranty-details/.
For extended warranty info, please contact sales@viewplus.com for more information.