Orbit Research Logo Image

 

 

 

 

Orbit Flow 40 User Guide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       5th August 2026

Version 0.5

 

Contents

.. 1

Contents. 2

1. About This User Guide. 4

2. About Orbit Flow 40.. 5

3. Before You Begin.. 5

3.1 What’s in the Box. 6

4. Getting to Know Orbit Flow 40.. 6

4.1 Top Side. 6

4.2 Front Edge. 7

4.3 Left Side. 8

4.4 Braille Cells and Cursor Routing Buttons. 8

5. Getting Started.. 9

5.1 Power and USB Connection.. 9

5.2 What Appears on the Braille Display. 9

5.3 Device Operating Mode. 10

6. Orbit Flow 40 Internal Menu.. 11

6.1 Opening and Closing the Menu.. 11

6.2 Moving Through the Menu.. 11

6.3 Menu Options. 11

Version.. 12

HW Version.. 12

Serial No. 12

Emulation.. 12

Sleep Timeout 12

7. Remote Mode and Screen Reader Support 13

7.1 Plug-and-Play HID Braille Support 13

7.2 Important Note About Current Screen Reader Support 14

7.3 Orbit Reader 40 Emulation.. 14

8. Using Orbit Flow 40 with Screen Readers. 15

8.1 NVDA.. 15

8.2 JAWS. 16

8.3 macOS VoiceOver. 17

8.4 iOS and iPadOS VoiceOver. 17

8.5 Android TalkBack. 17

9. Orbit Flow 40 Device Commands. 18

9.1 HID Braille Key Behavior. 18

9.2 HID Orbit Emulation Key Behavior. 19

10. Screen Reader Command Reference. 20

10.1 Key Naming Used in the Command Tables. 20

10.2 JAWS Commands. 21

10.3 NVDA Commands. 23

10.4 Dolphin ScreenReader and SuperNova Commands. 24

10.5 macOS VoiceOver Commands. 26

11. Rebooting the Device. 26

12. Firmware Upgrade Procedure. 26

12.1 Downloading the Firmware Package. 27

12.2 Using the Windows PC Upgrade Utility. 27

13. Cleaning Tips. 29

14. General Specifications. 29

15. Revision History. 30

 

 

 

 

 

1. About This User Guide

Thank you for choosing Orbit Flow 40.

This user guide explains how to set up, connect, and use Orbit Flow 40 as a refreshable braille display with a computer, phone, tablet, or other supported host device.

Orbit Flow 40 is designed for use with screen readers. It does not include stand-alone applications, a file reader, a note taker, internal storage, or a built-in operating environment for reading or editing files independently. Instead, it works as a braille input and output device for a screen reader running on another device.

Use this guide to learn:

             How the device is laid out.

             How to connect it by USB.

             How to open and use the internal menu.

             How to use Orbit Flow 40 as a plug-and-play HID Braille display.

             How to use Orbit Reader 40 emulation when required.

             How to use the device with supported screen readers.

             How to perform common screen reader commands.

             How to update, clean, and maintain the device.

Screen reader behavior may vary depending on the operating system, screen reader version, selected braille driver, and application being used. When necessary, refer also to the documentation for your screen reader.

 

 

 

 

2. About Orbit Flow 40

Orbit Flow 40 is a portable, plug-and-play refreshable braille display with 40 eight-dot braille cells. It is designed to work with screen readers through the standard HID Braille protocol.

Because Orbit Flow 40 supports HID Braille, it can be recognized by supported screen readers and operating systems without needing a special device-specific driver in many situations. This makes setup simple: connect the device by USB, select the HID Braille display option if needed, and begin using braille output and commands from the screen reader.

Orbit Flow 40 includes:

             40 refreshable eight-dot braille cells.

             A cursor routing button above each braille cell.

             Six command keys, three on each side of the braille display.

             Four thumb keys and one Home key on the front edge.

             USB Type-C connection for power, communication, and firmware upgrade.

             Plug-and-play support through the standard HID Braille protocol.

             Orbit Reader 40 emulation for situations where HID Braille is not available or not yet supported by the screen reader.

Orbit Flow 40 receives power from the connected host device through USB. It does not contain an internal battery and does not operate when disconnected from a powered host.

 

 

3. Before You Begin

Before using Orbit Flow 40, check the package contents and make sure the device and cable are not damaged.

Use only the USB cable supplied with the device, or a suitable high-quality USB cable that supports both data and power. Orbit Flow 40 depends on the USB connection for both operation and communication with the host device.

The host device must run a screen reader or other software that supports braille displays. Without a connected screen reader, Orbit Flow 40 can show basic device information, such as product name, firmware version, and current protocol mode, but it cannot be used as a stand-alone reading or editing device.

3.1 What’s in the Box

The Orbit Flow 40 package typically includes:

             Orbit Flow 40 unit.

             USB Type-C cable.

             Printed Quick Start Guide in large print.

Contact your distributor if anything is missing or damaged.

 

 

4. Getting to Know Orbit Flow 40

This section describes the physical layout of Orbit Flow 40. Understanding the location of the keys, braille cells, and USB port will help you use the device comfortably and follow the instructions in this guide.

To orient the device correctly, place it on a flat surface in front of you with the row of braille cells closest to you.

4.1 Top Side

When Orbit Flow 40 is placed in its normal operating position, the braille cells are closest to you.

The top side contains:

             40 refreshable braille cells.

             40 cursor routing buttons, one above each braille cell.

             Three command keys on the left side of the braille line.

             Three command keys on the right side of the braille line.

The command keys are arranged vertically at each end of the braille display.

On the left side, from top to bottom, the keys are:

             C1

             C2

             C3

On the right side, from top to bottom, the keys are:

             C4

             C5

             C6

These keys are used for panning, navigation, screen reader commands, and device-specific actions, depending on the selected protocol and screen reader.

4.2 Front Edge

On the front edge of Orbit Flow 40, you will find four thumb keys and one Home key.

From left to right, the keys are:

             Thumb Key 1

             Thumb Key 2

             Home key

             Thumb Key 3

             Thumb Key 4

The thumb keys are used for menu navigation, device commands, and screen reader navigation. The Home key is used to save and exit the internal menu and may also be used by screen readers for host-side commands.

4.3 Left Side

The USB Type-C port is located on the left side of Orbit Flow 40.

This port is used for:

             Power from the connected host device.

             USB communication with a screen reader.

             Firmware upgrade.

Orbit Flow 40 does not have an internal battery. It turns on when connected to a powered host through USB and turns off when disconnected.

4.4 Braille Cells and Cursor Routing Buttons

Orbit Flow 40 has 40 eight-dot braille cells. Each cell can display six-dot or eight-dot braille, depending on the screen reader, braille table, and current reading mode.

Dots 7 and 8 are located below dots 3 and 6. These dots may be used for capitalization, cursor indication, attributes, accent marks, or other screen reader-specific information.

Above each braille cell is a cursor routing button. Cursor routing buttons are usually used to move the cursor to the corresponding braille cell position, activate an item, or perform another function assigned by the screen reader.

In this guide, cursor routing buttons are abbreviated as CR. For example:

             CR 1 means the cursor routing button above the first braille cell.

             CR 2 means the cursor routing button above the second braille cell.

             CR 40 means the cursor routing button above the fortieth braille cell.

The exact behavior of cursor routing buttons depends on the screen reader and application being used.

 

 

5. Getting Started

Orbit Flow 40 works only as a braille display for a connected host device. It must be connected to a computer, phone, tablet, or other compatible device running a screen reader.

5.1 Power and USB Connection

Orbit Flow 40 connects to a host device using a USB Type-C cable.

The USB connection provides both:

             Power for the Orbit Flow 40.

             Communication between Orbit Flow 40 and the host device.

Orbit Flow 40 does not have an internal battery. It does not support external chargers or power adapters. It operates only while connected to a powered host device through USB. When the USB cable is disconnected, the device turns off immediately.

To connect Orbit Flow 40:

1.          Connect the USB Type-C end of the cable to the USB Type-C port on the left side of Orbit Flow 40.

2.          Connect the other end of the cable to a powered host device.

3.          Start or restart your screen reader if needed.

4.          Configure the screen reader to use Orbit Flow 40 or the appropriate HID Braille display option.

5.2 What Appears on the Braille Display

When Orbit Flow 40 is connected to power but no screen reader is active or connected, the display shows device information.

For example:

Orbit Flow 40 V00r01 HID-Braille

This message may include:

             Product name.

             Firmware version.

             Current connection mode.

For example, HID-Braille means the device is using the standard HID Braille protocol. This is the recommended plug-and-play mode for supported screen readers.

When a screen reader connects successfully, the display changes to show the screen reader’s braille output.

5.3 Device Operating Mode

Orbit Flow 40 operates in remote mode only.

Remote mode means that Orbit Flow 40 acts as a braille input and output device for a connected host. The screen reader on the host device controls what is shown on the braille display and how the keys behave.

The main operating protocol for Orbit Flow 40 is HID Braille.

HID Braille is a standard protocol for braille displays. It allows supported screen readers and operating systems to recognize the display as a standard braille device. This makes Orbit Flow 40 easy to connect and use, because it is designed to work as a plug-and-play braille display.

The following screen readers and platforms support HID Braille:

             JAWS for Windows.

             NVDA for Windows.

             VoiceOver on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS.

             TalkBack on Android.

Orbit Flow 40 also includes HID Orbit emulation. HID Orbit makes the device appear as an Orbit Reader 40. This mode is intended only for situations where a screen reader or host system does not support HID Braille correctly, or where Orbit Reader 40 emulation is specifically required.

For most users, HID Braille is the recommended mode.

 

 

6. Orbit Flow 40 Internal Menu

Orbit Flow 40 provides an internal menu for viewing device information and changing device settings.

The menu is shown on the braille display. Menu text is displayed in English computer braille.

6.1 Opening and Closing the Menu

To open the menu, press Thumb Key 1 + Thumb Key 4.

When the menu opens, the device displays:

Orbit Flow 40

To exit the menu and save changes, press the Home key.

6.2 Moving Through the Menu

Use the following keys in the internal menu:

Action

Key

Open the menu

Thumb Key 1 + Thumb Key 4

Move through menu items

Thumb Key 1 or Thumb Key 4

Change the value of the current item

Thumb Key 2 or Thumb Key 3

Save changes and exit

Home key

6.3 Menu Options

The menu contains the following options:

             Version.

             HW ver.

             Serial No.

             Emulation.

             Sleep timeout.

Some menu options include a default value. The default value is shown in parentheses when applicable.

Version

The Version item displays the firmware version installed on the device. You may need this information when contacting customer support.

HW Version

The HW Version item displays the hardware version of the device. You may need this information when contacting customer support.

Serial No.

The Serial No. item displays the serial number of the device. This number may be needed for service, support, or warranty purposes.

Emulation

The Emulation option controls how Orbit Flow 40 identifies itself to the connected host.

The available options are:

             HID-Braille

             HID-Orbit

The default and recommended setting is HID-Braille.

Use HID-Braille for normal plug-and-play operation with screen readers and platforms that support the standard HID Braille protocol.

Use HID-Orbit only when Orbit Reader 40 emulation is required, or when the screen reader or host does not support HID Braille correctly.

Sleep Timeout

When Orbit Flow 40 remains inactive for a period of time, the braille display can automatically turn off to save power.

The available sleep timeout settings are:

             OFF

             1 minute

             2 minutes

             5 minutes

             10 minutes

             20 minutes

             60 minutes

The default setting is 10 minutes.

If the sleep timeout is set to OFF, Orbit Flow 40 does not enter sleep mode automatically.

 

 

7. Remote Mode and Screen Reader Support

Orbit Flow 40 is used in remote mode with a screen reader running on a computer, phone, tablet, or other host device.

In remote mode, the screen reader provides:

             Braille translation.

             Braille output.

             Cursor behavior.

             Input command handling.

             Application-specific braille behavior.

Orbit Flow 40 provides the physical braille display, cursor routing buttons, and keys used to read and control the screen reader.

7.1 Plug-and-Play HID Braille Support

Orbit Flow 40 is designed primarily as a plug-and-play HID Braille display.

HID Braille is the recommended mode because it uses the standard braille display protocol supported by modern screen readers and operating systems.

In most cases, using HID Braille means:

             No special Orbit Flow 40 driver is required.

             The operating system or screen reader can recognize the display as a standard HID Braille display.

             Setup is simpler and faster.

             The device works consistently across supported screen readers and platforms.

JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack support HID Braille.

7.2 Important Note About Current Screen Reader Support

Screen reader support for Orbit Flow 40 is still being finalized. Support is especially still in progress for JAWS.

The final Orbit Flow 40 command set is expected to be integrated into the JAWS July update.

Until then, command availability and behavior may vary depending on the screen reader version being used. For the most accurate and current information, use the latest version of your screen reader and check the screen reader’s braille display documentation.

7.3 Orbit Reader 40 Emulation

Orbit Flow 40 includes HID Orbit mode for Orbit Reader 40 emulation.

This mode makes Orbit Flow 40 appear to the host as an Orbit Reader 40. It is provided for compatibility with systems or screen reader versions that do not yet support HID Braille correctly.

For most users, HID Orbit mode is not required.

Use HID Orbit mode only when:

             A screen reader does not support HID Braille.

             A specific screen reader setup requires Orbit Reader 40 emulation.

             Support or technical documentation instructs you to use Orbit Reader 40 emulation.

 

8. Using Orbit Flow 40 with Screen Readers

This section describes general setup information for common screen readers.

Because Orbit Flow 40 is a HID Braille display, the general setup process is simple:

1.          Connect Orbit Flow 40 to the host device by USB.

2.          Make sure Orbit Flow 40 is set to HID-Braille mode.

3.          Start the screen reader.

4.          Select the HID Braille display option if the screen reader does not detect it automatically.

8.1 NVDA

NVDA supports HID Braille.

To use Orbit Flow 40 with NVDA:

1.          Connect Orbit Flow 40 to the computer using USB.

2.          Make sure Orbit Flow 40 is set to HID-Braille mode.

3.          Start NVDA.

4.          Open the NVDA menu.

5.          Open Preferences.

6.          Open Settings.

7.          Select the Braille category.

8.          From the braille display options, select the appropriate HID Braille display option if automatic detection does not select it.

9.          Apply the settings.

To turn braille output off in NVDA, select No braille from the braille display options.

8.2 JAWS

JAWS supports HID Braille. Orbit Flow 40 support is still being finalized, especially for the full command set.

The final Orbit Flow 40 command set is expected to be integrated into the JAWS July update. For best results, use the latest available JAWS update.

To use Orbit Flow 40 with JAWS:

1.          Connect Orbit Flow 40 to the computer using USB.

2.          Make sure Orbit Flow 40 is set to HID-Braille mode.

3.          Start or restart JAWS.

4.          Open the JAWS menu with Insert + J.

5.          Open Options.

6.          Open Braille.

7.          Add or select the HID Braille display option as required.

8.          Select USB as the connection type if prompted.

9.          Finish the setup and restart JAWS if required.

To turn off braille support in JAWS:

1.          Open the JAWS menu with Insert + J.

2.          Open Options.

3.          Open Braille.

4.          Select No Braille Display.

5.          Confirm the change.

6.          Restart JAWS if required.

Note: For a longer description of JAWS commands, turn JAWS Keyboard Help on by pressing Insert + 1, then press the command. Press Insert + 1 again to exit Keyboard Help.

8.3 macOS VoiceOver

VoiceOver on macOS supports HID Braille.

To use Orbit Flow 40 with macOS:

1.          Connect Orbit Flow 40 to the Mac using USB.

2.          Make sure Orbit Flow 40 is set to HID-Braille mode.

3.          Start VoiceOver with Command + F5 if it is not already running.

4.          VoiceOver should detect the braille display automatically.

If the display is not detected, open VoiceOver Utility and check the braille display settings.

8.4 iOS and iPadOS VoiceOver

VoiceOver on iPhone and iPad supports HID Braille.

To use Orbit Flow 40 with iPhone or iPad, connect the device using a supported USB connection method and make sure Orbit Flow 40 is set to HID-Braille mode.

VoiceOver controls braille translation, braille input, and command behavior.

8.5 Android TalkBack

TalkBack on Android supports HID Braille.

To use Orbit Flow 40 with Android, connect the device using a supported USB connection method and make sure Orbit Flow 40 is set to HID-Braille mode.

TalkBack controls braille translation, braille input, and command behavior. Exact behavior may vary depending on the Android version, device manufacturer, and TalkBack version.

 

 

9. Orbit Flow 40 Device Commands

The following commands are handled by Orbit Flow 40 itself and are not sent to the screen reader.

Action

Command

Open the internal menu

Thumb Key 1 + Thumb Key 4

Exit the internal menu and save changes

Home key

Switch to HID Braille mode

Thumb Key 1 + Thumb Key 4 + CR 1

Switch to HID Orbit mode

Thumb Key 1 + Thumb Key 4 + CR 2

Reboot the device

HW 1.0 à C6 + Thumb Key 3
HW 1.1 or higher
à C4 + CR 40

Enter firmware upgrade mode

HW 1.0 à C6 + C2 + Thumb Key 3
HW 1.1 or higher
à C4 + Thumb Key 4 + CR 40

9.1 HID Braille Key Behavior

When Orbit Flow 40 is used in HID-Braille mode, the device sends standard HID Braille key events to the screen reader.

The basic key behavior is:

Orbit Flow 40 key

HID Braille function

Thumb Key 1

Braille pan left

Thumb Key 2

Braille d-pad up

Thumb Key 3

Braille d-pad down

Thumb Key 4

Braille pan right

Home key

Home command

C1

Braille rocker up

C2

Braille pan left

C3

Braille rocker down

C4

Braille rocker up

C5

Braille pan right

C6

Braille rocker down

Cursor routing keys

Move cursor or route to braille position

The final action of each key depends on the screen reader.

9.2 HID Orbit Emulation Key Behavior

When Orbit Flow 40 is used in HID-Orbit mode, the device emulates Orbit Reader 40 behavior.

Use this mode only when Orbit Reader 40 emulation is required.

The basic key behavior is:

Orbit Flow 40 key

HID Orbit emulation function

Thumb Key 1

Pan backward

Thumb Key 2

D-pad up

Thumb Key 3

D-pad down

Thumb Key 4

Pan forward

Home key

D-pad center

C1

D-pad up

C2

Pan left / backward

C3

D-pad down

C4

D-pad up

C5

Pan right / forward

C6

D-pad down

Cursor routing keys

Move cursor or route to braille position

 

 

10. Screen Reader Command Reference

This section lists common screen reader commands for Orbit Flow 40.

The command tables are based on commands used by similar 40-cell HID braille displays. Command behavior may change depending on the screen reader version. The JAWS command set for Orbit Flow 40 is still being finalized and is expected to be integrated into the JAWS July update.

10.1 Key Naming Used in the Command Tables

The six command keys are named C1 through C6.

On the left side, from top to bottom:

             C1

             C2

             C3

On the right side, from top to bottom:

             C4

             C5

             C6

The letter or symbol shown in parentheses in the command tables represents the braille character formed by the command key combination.

For example:

             C1+C2+C5 (h) means press C1, C2, and C5 together.

             The same combination forms the braille letter h.

10.2 JAWS Commands

The following table contains JAWS command assignments.

Command

Action

C1+C2+C5 (h)

Keyboard Help on/off

C2+C4+C5 (j)

Bring JAWS window to foreground

C1 (a)

Move line up

C3 (.)

Move line down

C2 (,)

Pan left one display width

C5 (!)

Pan right one display width

C4 (")

Toggle between PC cursor and JAWS cursor

C6 (')

Route braille display to active cursor

C2+C4 (i)

Route JAWS cursor to PC cursor

C1+C4 (c)

Move to beginning of file

C3+C6 (-)

Move to end of file

C1+C2 (b)

Move to end of file

C5+C6 (<)

Show top edge of active window

C1+C2+C3+C5 (r)

Start Auto-Advance Braille mode

C1+C2+C4+C5 (g)

Toggle Grade 2 contracted braille translation on/off

C1+C3+C4+C6 (x)

Toggle braille markings off

C1+C2+C3+C6 (v)

Adjust braille verbosity

C2+C3+C5 (+)

Toggle between 6-dot and 8-dot mode

C3+C5 (*)

Move active cursor using braille keys

C1+C4+C5 (d)

Minimize all running applications

C3+C4 (|)

Activate Start menu

C1+C3 (k)

Shift + Tab

C4+C6 ($)

Tab

C2+C3+C4+C5 (t)

Alt + Tab

C1+C5 (e)

Escape

C2+C6 (?)

Enter

C4+C5 (>)

Delete item at cursor

C1+C3+C5 (o)

Open or close a drop-down list or combo box

C2+C4+C6 (9)

Close a list box

C1+C2+C3 (l)

Open Links List dialog

C2+C3+C6 (()

Open Headings List dialog

C1+C2+C4 (f)

Open list of all active frames

C1+C3+C4 (m)

Activate menu bar

C1+C2+C3+C4 (p)

Focus previous document window

C1+C3+C4+C5 (n)

Focus next document window

C2+C5+C6 (/)

Close active document window

C2+C3+C4 (s)

Open JAWS Task List dialog

C2+C4+C5+C6 (w)

Copy useful Windows shortcuts to Virtual Viewer

C3+C5+C6 ())

Copy JAWS keys to Virtual Viewer

C1+C3+C5+C6 (z)

Announce current time

10.3 NVDA Commands

Note: NVDA support it still a workd in progress. The final command set for Orbit Flow will be integrated into NVDA 2026.3. Until then, commands can be assigned manually, while panning, reading, and cursor routting, including automatic plug and play support, work already.

The following table contains NVDA command assignments.

Command

Action

C1+C2+C5 (h)

Input Help on/off

C1 (a)

Navigate to previous line

C3 (.)

Navigate to next line

C2 (,)

Pan left one display width

C5 (!)

Pan right one display width

C4 (")

Emulate Shift + Tab

C6 (')

Emulate Tab

C1+C2 (b)

Emulate Ctrl + Tab

C2+C3 (;)

Emulate Alt + Tab

C4+C5 (>)

Emulate Page Up

C5+C6 (<)

Emulate Page Down

C2+C6 (?)

Emulate Home

C3+C5 (*)

Emulate End

C1+C4+C6 (3)

Emulate Ctrl + Home

C3+C4+C6 (0)

Emulate Ctrl + End

C1+C5+C6 (5)

Emulate Ctrl + Shift + Escape

C1+C3+C4

Emulate Ctrl + Shift + Escape

C4+C6 ($)

Emulate Applications key / Context Menu

C1+C5 (e)

Emulate Windows key + E / File Explorer

C1+C2+C3+C5 (r)

Emulate Windows key + R / Run dialog

C1+C3+C4+C6 (x)

Emulate Windows key + X / Quick Link menu

C1+C4+C5 (d)

Emulate Windows key + M / Minimize all

C1+C4 (c)

Route NVDA cursor to first line

C3+C6 (-)

Route NVDA cursor to last line

C1+C2+C4 (f)

Set navigator object to current focus

C2+C4+C5+C6 (w)

Read all controls in the current window

C2+C3+C5 (+)

Announce formatting information at current cursor position

C1+C2+C4+C5 (g)

Lock or unlock the left mouse button

C2+C3+C5+C6 (=)

Lock or unlock the right mouse button

C2+C3+C6 (()

Simulate a single left mouse click

C3+C5+C6 ())

Simulate a single right mouse click

10.4 Dolphin ScreenReader and SuperNova Commands

The following table contains Dolphin ScreenReader and SuperNova command assignments. Note: you will have to use the Orbit Reader 40 emulation mode to work with Supernova.

Command

Action

C1+C2+C5 (h)

Keyboard Help on/off

C2+C4+C5 (j)

Open Control Panel

C1 (a)

Line up

C3 (.)

Line down

C2 (,)

Pan left

C5 (!)

Pan right

C4 (")

Cursor on/off

C6 (')

Go to focus

C1+C4 (c)

Top

C3+C6 (-)

Bottom

C1+C2+C4+C5 (g)

Contracted braille on/off

C2+C3+C5 (+)

8-dot / 6-dot

C1+C2+C3+C6 (v)

Select verbosity scheme

C2+C4 (i)

Jump to application cursor

C1+C3 (k)

Shift + Tab

C4+C6 ($)

Tab

C5+C6 (<)

Ctrl + End

C1+C5 (e)

Escape

C2+C6 (?)

Enter

C1+C3+C4 (m)

Alt

C3+C4 (|)

Windows key

C2+C3+C4 (s)

Item Finder

C2+C3+C5+C6 (=)

Taskbar

C1+C3+C5+C6 (z)

Announce date and time

10.5 macOS VoiceOver Commands

The following table contains macOS VoiceOver command assignments.

Command

Action

C1 (a)

Move line up

C3 (.)

Move line down

C2 (,)

Pan left one display width

C5 (!)

Pan right one display width

C4 (")

Stop interacting with object

C6 (')

Start interacting with object

 

 

11. Rebooting the Device

If Orbit Flow 40 does not respond to key presses, you can reboot it.

To reboot the device, press:

HW V1.0 à C6 + Thumb Key 3

HW V1.1 or higher à C4 + CR 40

You can also disconnect the USB cable and connect it again.

 

 

12. Firmware Upgrade Procedure

New versions of the firmware for Orbit Flow 40 may be released from time to time. Firmware updates may contain improvements, bug fixes, and new features.

You can upgrade the firmware of Orbit Flow 40 using a Windows PC and a USB cable.

The firmware upgrade process has two main parts:

1.          Download the firmware package.

2.          Upgrade Orbit Flow 40 using the Windows upgrade utility.

12.1 Downloading the Firmware Package

To download a firmware upgrade package for Orbit Flow 40:

1.          Obtain the latest Orbit Flow 40 firmware package from Orbit Research or your distributor.

2.          Save the ZIP file to your PC.

3.          Open the folder where the firmware ZIP file was downloaded. This is usually the Downloads folder.

4.          Extract the ZIP file.

5.          Make a note of the extracted folder location.

The extracted folder should contain the firmware upgrade utility and the firmware binary file.

12.2 Using the Windows PC Upgrade Utility

The following items are required:

             Orbit Flow 40 unit.

             Standard USB-A to USB-C cable.

             Windows PC.

             Orbit Flow 40 firmware upgrade utility.

             Orbit Flow 40 firmware binary file.

To upgrade the firmware:

1.          Connect Orbit Flow 40 to the PC using the USB cable.

2.          Open the extracted firmware folder.

3.          Run the firmware upgrade utility.

4.          Perform following steps to enable firmware upgrade mode as per HW version

HW 1.0

·         Press and hold C6 + C2, then press Thumb Key 3.

·         Release Thumb Key 3 first, then release C6 and C2.

HW 1.1 or higher

·         Press and hold C4 + Thumb Key 4, then press CR 40.

·         Release CR 40 first, then release C4 and Thumb Key 4.

5.          The device enters firmware upgrade mode.

6.          In the upgrade utility, activate the Browse button.

7.          Select the firmware binary file.

8.          Activate the Upgrade button.

9.          Do not disconnect the USB cable during the upgrade.

10.      Wait until the utility reports that the upgrade has completed, or until Orbit Flow 40 reboots.

To confirm that the upgrade was successful:

1.          Open the Orbit Flow 40 internal menu by pressing Thumb Key 1 + Thumb Key 4.

2.          Navigate to Version.

3.          Confirm that the displayed firmware version matches the version you installed.

 

 

13. Cleaning Tips

Due to exposure to natural elements such as dust and oils, the Orbit Flow 40 should be cleaned periodically.

The following are some tips to keep your Orbit Flow 40 clean:

             Cleaning should be performed with the unit switched off and with all pins in the down position.

             Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft tip attachment to remove dust from the pin area.

             Use a lint-free cloth to wipe the cells.

             The cloth may be moistened with water.

             Avoid using the following:

            Paper towels, cotton swabs, or materials that can release fibers.

            Alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners.

            Canned or compressed air.

 

 

14. General Specifications

             Dimensions (W x H x D): 11.8 x 3.0 x 0.8 inch / 30 x 7.7 x 2.0 cm.

             Weight: 0.66 lbs. / 300 grams.

             Braille cells: 40 eight-dot braille cells.

             Refresh rate: less than 0.75 seconds.

             Input keys: 4 thumb keys, Home key, 6 command keys, and cursor routing buttons.

             Operating system support: Windows with NVDA and JAWS, macOS and iOS with VoiceOver, Android with TalkBack, Fire OS with VoiceView, and Chrome OS with ChromeVox.

             Interfaces and ports: 1 USB Type-C port for host interface and firmware upgrade.

             Operating temperature: 5 °C to 45 °C.

             Operating humidity: 10% to 70% relative humidity.

             Storage temperature: -15 °C to 70 °C.

             Storage humidity: 5% to 90% relative humidity.

 

 

15. Revision History

Revision

Date

Description of Changes

Author

0.1

May 2026

Draft user guide for Orbit Flow 40.

Orbit Research