Allora 2

DISCONTINUED Allora 2 is designed for face-to-face communication! The detachable display/speaker can be worn around the neck on a lanyard, or adhered to the back of the car headrest for the back seat passenger to view, handed to someone to read the message, placed it in the middle of the table for a meeting or at a restaurant.  With a 10 metre range and auto Bluetooth connectivity it can be used to enhance the interaction with creative use. 

Latest blog: Vision Considerations - Spelling Messages – Allora 2.  Go to blog.

All expected speed enhancement features are standard. Word prediction, sentence prediction, abbreviation expansion are included.  In-built GSM module provides SMS capability too! Operate appliances such as TV and Hi-Fi through the GEWA environment control.

The access options of keyboard and switch operation make it suitable for people who have changing fine-motor or accessing needs. Touch-typists often choose the Allora as the keyboard size suits touch typing.
Whether at school, university or work the NOTE section may be useful for writing and saving a story, speech, long note or other text.  The note can be prepared on the computer and transferred to the Allora to be read aloud; or prepared on the Allora, and printed from the computer, via the USB port (memory stick).

  

Features:

• Keyboard operation
• Switch /scanning access (plug switch in to port to activate scanning)
• Australian RealSpeak (Lee and Karen)
• Dual speakers
• Dual displays
• Detachable repositionable display/speaker
• GEWA environment control
• Inbuilt module for SMS
• Digital recording 
• Stored messages
• Prediction (word and sentence)
• Notebook for large documents
• Transfer notes to computer for edit, back-up and printing
• Keyguard (slide-on)
• In-use carry bag (with short carry handle and shouder strap)
• Carry bag for mounting Allora in in-use bag
• Computer back-up and transfer

Communication Features:

• Echo/speak : character/key, word, enter
• Prediction: choose keys 1 to 5 to select
• Prediction: word and sentence
• Display: adjust font from 7 to 24 pixels
• 2nd display: 1 to 3 lines, turn On or OFF
• Notes: write, save and transfer note to computer
• Store messages in the prediction list or under a code
• Record speech, music or a sound e.g. laughter, eh hem and assign to a key for instant output.

Accessing:

• Keyboard has large keys and high contrast key label
• Splash proof and wipeable keyboard
• Keyguard supplied as standard  (see video under DETAILS tab)
• Scan with 1 or 2 switches
• QWERTY, ABC or frequency of use layouts

Scanning on the Allora 2 is displayed in the main display section of the display.  Simply plug in the switch to start the scanning.

The videos under SUPPORT show various functions including scanning. (Thank-you to Techcess UK.  The Allora 2 in the video speaks British English, not Australian English.)

Standard features:

• In-built 3G GSM module for SMS messages
• In-built GEWA ECU module to operate TV, DVD player etc

ZYTEQ's standard after-purchase service

• ​Level 1 support for the life of the device
• A 3-month Premium Support Plan
• 2-year Manufacturer's Limited Warranty

Warranty and AT Standards

• There is no relevant Australian AT Standards (or ISO AT standards) applicable to this assistive technology product.
• A 2 year warranty against manufacturing defaults. This does not include usual wear and tear, perishable and external accessories and batteries, damage to touchscreen/displays and accidental/neglect damage. 

The Allora keyguard is supplied as standard with the Allora 2.

This video shows it being fitted and used.

• Weight: 1.025 kg
• Dimensions: 225 x 180 x 20 >65 mm
• Notebook memory: approx 100 MB (or 30 x books of 780,000 words)
• Recording time: maximum space 700 MB (equates to 4 - 5 hours).  No limit to length of individual recording.

SMS and the ALLORA 2

NEW ANNOUNCEMENT  - Feb 2022

The Allora uses the 3G network and the in-built SIM card for SMS.

► There has been an announcement that Telstra's 3G network will be shutdown in June 2024. It is likely that other carriers will follow soon after.

► What this means is that the Allora's SMS functions will no longer work, as it uses the 3G network and a SIM card.

► This is important if you are planning to use the SMS function with the Allora.

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?

If using SMS on your device is an essential feature there are other options.

• Jabbla will most likely be addressing the need for SMS in a different way in future device developments.
• Upgrades to the Allora 2 are unlikely to be possible.
• If you want to choose from current options, this would mean choosing a device where a mobile phone is connected to your device using Bluetooth, for example the LightWRITEr SL50, or our tablet devices running Grid 3. 
• We will keep you updated with developments through the newsletter.  Please sign up to the newsletter on our home page here on the website.

Allora 2 User Guide (PDF download)

Allora 2 Guide to Shortcuts (PDF Download)

Allora 2 How to store messages: Memory + alpha and Abbreviation method. (PDF Download)

What is the default pin code for SIM?

By default there is no pin code in the device. If your SIM card doesn't require a pin code, then you should enter pin code '0000'.
If connection continues to fail, then maybe the pin code wasn't entered correctly for 3 times in a row, and you might need to put the SIM card in a GSM to unlock the card with the PUK code.

Video below:

Allora 2 Easy Maintenance Guide (PDF Download - 2 pages)

How to communicate using Allora 2 (YouTube Video Link)

How to program a remote control ECU code (YouTube Vide Link)

How to use switch access (YouTube Video Link)

How to use the detachable display/speaker (YouTube Video Link)

Hoe to add contacts to address book (YouTube Video Link)

How to use SMS (YouTube Video Link)

Blog: Vision Considerations - Spelling Messages – Allora 2  (link to Blog on this website)

Sentence Prediction and Using Key words to retrieve. (YouTube Video LInk)

Supplied with:

• Charger
• In-use carry case with carry handle and shoulder strap (image below)
• User guide
• Keyguard (slide on)
• Lanyard for 2nd display
• Carry-all - black canvas zip bag with shoulder strap (fits Allora 2, charger, manuals)

Optional Extras:

• other languages
• ABC keyboard layout
• mounting plate

    

How does the Allora 2 compare with the LightWRITER SL40 CONNECT?

Allora 2 has a larger footprint and a larger keyboard with spaced keys. This may suit people requiring larger keys, or key labels for example for large fingers or vision issues.

The Allora 2 also provides the GEWA environment control unit (ECU) which is highly regarded as one of the most reliable ECU modules.

Both offer in-built GSM, with the Allora providing SMS only and the SL40 LightWRITER providing voice calls and SMS.

The Allora 2 is supplied standard with scanning in-built, so that direct or scanning access can be used.

The Allora has facility for enlarging font of both the typed text and predicted words.

The SL40 LightWRITER has a separate model which offers scanning and direct access, the LightWRITER SL40 Scanning. On this model the keyboard response is a little slower than the standard LightWRITER SL40 CONNECT.

The larger keyboard on the Allora 2 may be preferred by touch typists, as it is closer to the computer keyboard standard.

The Allora 2 has a high quality Australian speech synthesiser, wheras the LightWRITER CONNECT SL40 has British or American English Acapela Speech Synthesis installed.  

The decommissioning of 2G network:

Around the world the 2G network will be decommissioned. Telstra has announced this will start from 1st of December 2015.  Optus will decommission 2G from April 2017.

The LightWRITER SL 40 connect specifically requires a Telstra SIM, for its 2G module.  The manufacturer has advised there will be no further development of this model, therefore the SMS and voice functions will cease to work in the LightWRITER SL 40 connect.

The Allora 2 currently has a 2G module which is compatible with Telstra and Optus and other SIM cards.  Jabbla, the Belgian manufacturer of Allora 2 has provided a commitment to the ongoing functioning of the SMS.   “Jabbla will be investigating updates to the 2G module, so that the SMS function in the Allora 2 will continue to be available. As the Allora 2 is a “current’ product it will  be undergoing ongoing upgrades and updates”  to support and improve its functionality.