
Orbit Flow 40 User Guide
5th August 2026
4. Getting to Know Orbit
Flow 40
4.4 Braille Cells and
Cursor Routing Buttons
5.2 What Appears on the
Braille Display
6. Orbit Flow 40 Internal
Menu
6.1 Opening and Closing
the Menu
7. Remote Mode and Screen
Reader Support
7.1 Plug-and-Play HID
Braille Support
7.2 Important Note About
Current Screen Reader Support
8. Using Orbit Flow 40
with Screen Readers
9. Orbit Flow 40 Device
Commands
9.2 HID Orbit Emulation
Key Behavior
10. Screen Reader Command
Reference
10.1 Key Naming Used in
the Command Tables
10.4 Dolphin ScreenReader
and SuperNova Commands
12. Firmware Upgrade
Procedure
12.1 Downloading the
Firmware Package
12.2 Using the Windows PC
Upgrade Utility
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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.
The Version item displays the firmware version installed on the device. You may need this information when contacting customer support.
The HW Version item displays the hardware version of the device. You may need this information when contacting customer support.
The Serial No. item displays the serial number of the device. This number may be needed for service, support, or warranty purposes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
|
Enter firmware upgrade mode |
HW 1.0 à C6 + C2 + Thumb Key 3 |
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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 ($) |
Tab |
|
C2+C3+C4+C5 (t) |
Alt + Tab |
|
C1+C5 (e) |
Escape |
|
C2+C6 (?) |
Enter |
|
C4+C5 (>) |
Delete item at cursor |
|
C1+C3+C5 (o) |
Open or close a drop-down list or combo box |
|
C2+C4+C6 (9) |
Close a list box |
|
C1+C2+C3 (l) |
Open Links List dialog |
|
C2+C3+C6 (() |
Open Headings List dialog |
|
C1+C2+C4 (f) |
Open list of all active frames |
|
C1+C3+C4 (m) |
Activate menu bar |
|
C1+C2+C3+C4 (p) |
Focus previous document window |
|
C1+C3+C4+C5 (n) |
Focus next document window |
|
C2+C5+C6 (/) |
Close active document window |
|
C2+C3+C4 (s) |
Open JAWS Task List dialog |
|
C2+C4+C5+C6 (w) |
Copy useful Windows shortcuts to Virtual Viewer |
|
C3+C5+C6 ()) |
Copy JAWS keys to Virtual Viewer |
|
C1+C3+C5+C6 (z) |
Announce current time |
Note: NVDA support it still a workd in progress. The final command set for Orbit Flow will be integrated into NVDA 2026.3. Until then, commands can be assigned manually, while panning, reading, and cursor routting, including automatic plug and play support, work already.
The following table contains NVDA command assignments.
|
Command |
Action |
|
C1+C2+C5 (h) |
Input Help on/off |
|
C1 (a) |
Navigate to previous line |
|
C3 (.) |
Navigate to next line |
|
C2 (,) |
Pan left one display width |
|
C5 (!) |
Pan right one display width |
|
C4 (") |
Emulate Shift + Tab |
|
C6 (') |
Emulate Tab |
|
C1+C2 (b) |
Emulate Ctrl + Tab |
|
C2+C3 (;) |
Emulate Alt + Tab |
|
C4+C5 (>) |
Emulate Page Up |
|
C5+C6 (<) |
Emulate Page Down |
|
C2+C6 (?) |
Emulate Home |
|
C3+C5 (*) |
Emulate End |
|
C1+C4+C6 (3) |
Emulate Ctrl + Home |
|
C3+C4+C6 (0) |
Emulate Ctrl + End |
|
C1+C5+C6 (5) |
Emulate Ctrl + Shift + Escape |
|
C1+C3+C4 |
Emulate Ctrl + Shift + Escape |
|
C4+C6 ($) |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
• 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.
|
Revision |
Date |
Description of Changes |
Author |
|
0.1 |
May 2026 |
Draft user guide for Orbit Flow 40. |
Orbit Research |