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Produce 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.
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.
If you would like to request embossed samples from the PixBlaster and/or PageBlaster embossers, please email APH Customer Service at cs@aph.org and be sure to include your name and full mailing address.
Does the Tiger Software Suite (TSS) come with the purchase of PixBlaster? How and when do I obtain the TSS license number?
Yes, every PixBlaster comes with a license for Tiger Software Suite (TSS) 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 Tiger Software Suite 7 Webinar on YouTube.
To obtain your TSS license number, visit the ViewPlus American Printing House warranty page 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.
What should I do to resolve a paper jam?
To resolve paper jams, see the Resolving Paper Jams section in the PixBlaster User Guide or follow these six steps:
Tear off the paper at the closest perforation to the embosser, for both the paper input and output.
Open the tractor feeder lid, and release paper from the tractor pins if still engaged.
Pull on visible paper on the output (front) side of the machine; take care to distribute pulling force evenly across the paper to prevent tearing.
If the paper does not pull out completely from the front, remove any remaining paper from the rear of the embosser; take care to distribute pulling force evenly across the paper to prevent tearing.
(Alternative step) You may also try the Up and Down Arrow buttons on the Operating panel to support paper moving out of the machine.
In the rare event that there are still scraps of paper left behind in the embosser, fold a thick sheet of paper in half, insert the sheet into the embosser over the tractor feed, and move the sheet from side to side to free paper remnants.
Once the paper jam is clear, insert paper again, engage tractors, close the lid, and reprint the document.
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
What is the purpose of the PIXie box and the PIXie USB flash drive that comes with it?
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.
How do I set up PIXie for Wi-Fi connectivity?
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.)
Open Settings on your mobile device and select Wi-Fi. Known networks are listed.
Select PIXie network. Connection to Wi-Fi happens automatically. Your device recognizes that PIXie does not have internet access and might try to disconnect and connect to a different Wi-Fi network instead (because the known network with internet access is preferred by your device). You may need to acknowledge that you want to stay connected, and possibly also select Forget Other Networks and turn off mobile data.
When successfully connected to the PIXie Wi-Fi network, open your preferred web browser application.
Enter http://10.10.0.1 for PIXie dedicated IP address, or URL address http://PIXie within the address line. The PIXie Home webpage opens. Depending on the APH embosser model that you have currently connected to your PIXie, printer-specific information is displayed. With no embosser connected to PIXie, printer-specific information is not available. You can switch between the sections Home, Formatter Settings, Legacy Settings, and System by selecting the center-left menu items.
Go to System page for Wi-Fi Direct or Wi-Fi Network Client configuration settings.
How do I get the best braille and graphics from my PixBlaster?
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.
Using the PIXie Interface on Windows:
Press Windows key
Type printers
Press enter
Select APH PixBlaster and activate the Manage button
Select Printing Preferences
Select the Tiger Tab
Select “Best” for both Braille Quality and Graphics
Note: Printing will be slower but the quality is higher.
What is the importance of the shipping bolt?
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.
Does PixBlaster come with a warranty? Are extended warranty options available?
My PRN file will not emboss to PixBlaster, what can I do?
PRN files are made for specific embossers; open the file in Tiger Designer, go to File > Save and then Save As a PixBlaster PRN.
Are the buttons and labels on the embosser’s control panel accessible?
Yes. Many features of PixBlaster are with accessibility in mind, including labels and buttons on the control panel.
Does the PixBlaster support embossing from a notetaker?
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.
Does PixBlaster support music braille?
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.
Is it important that I keep the shipping box and the packaging materials?
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.
