Differences between ChatEditor and Chat Software
ChatEditor is not intended to function as a speech generating device (SGD). It is a support tool for modifying the device user’s vocabulary file separate from the device, allowing the device user to continue communicating while modifications are made to a vocabulary file. In ChatEditor, dialog boxes will appear slightly different from how they appear in Chat software on the device, and some of the options are modified for the computer. When editing files on the device in Chat software, press and hold the screen to open context menus. When editing files on the computer in ChatEditor, right-click on the vocabulary window to open context menus.
Note: It is recommended to use ChatEditor to save custom vocabulary files onto a computer as a backup for the vocabulary files on the device.
For more information about using Chat software, see the Chat Software Manual.
Download and Install ChatEditor
The installation process installs ChatEditor on your computer and creates a desktop shortcut to the ChatEditor application.
Download ChatEditor from the PRC-Saltillo website:
Click the link next to ChatEditor.
From the collections list, select the file that matches the version of Chat software installed on your device.
Select Download.
Select the language you want to use for the installation. Select OK.
Select Next, accept the license agreement, and select Next.
Select Install. When the installation process is complete, select Finish. You should see a desktop shortcut to the ChatEditor application.
Configure ChatEditor
The first time you open ChatEditor after installing it, you will be prompted to set up a configuration.
Select your product from the Choose Product window and click OK.
Select your language from the Choose Language window and click OK.
Select one or more symbol sets from the Choose Symbol Sets window.
Important: This symbol set must match what is on the device you are supporting.
Click OK.
Type a descriptive name for the configuration in the Enter Name window and click OK.
ChatEditor will open.
Note: You may need to set up multiple configurations if you support more than one client.
Resize the ChatEditor Window
To resize the ChatEditor window, place the mouse pointer over the top, bottom, left side, or right side border of the window. The pointer will change to a double arrow. Use the mouse to drag the border until the window is the size you want.
To keep the window in the same proportion, place the double arrow on a corner of the window and drag the corner until the window is the size you want.
Any time you want to return the ChatEditor window to its default size, go to Settings > Window Size > Set to Default Size.
Note: You can also choose the Maximize and Restore Down buttons in the upper right corner to resize the window.
Enable Speech and Symbols
When you install ChatEditor, messages similar to the following messgae will be displayed:
You must attach a PCS-configured NovaChat Device to enable and display PCS Symbols.
Click OK to continue.
Speech is currently disabled.
Please connect a NovaChat device to this computer to enable speech.
Click OK to close the message.
To enable speech or symbols in ChatEditor, connect a USB cable between your computer and your device.
Note: Depending on the device you are using, when you connect the device to a computer for the first time, a message may prompt you to allow access. You must select Allow to enable speech or symbols.
Test ChatEditor to verify that speech is working or symbols are displaying. Then disconnect the cable. Speech and symbols will now be enabled whenever you use ChatEditor; you will not need to re-connect the cable.
Open ChatEditor
To open ChatEditor for normal use after you set up a configuration, open the ChatEditor shortcut from your computer desktop.
Explore Vocabulary Files
The ChatEditor Library contains the same vocabulary files as the device. To explore files using ChatEditor, click Library. My Resources stores all custom files. All default files are stored in the folder specifying the symbol set and language used.
You can explore any of these files by highlighting one and opening it. Explore the page and button organization by choosing the buttons. Buttons with arrows in the corners will move to new pages. As you explore the page layouts, consider if one of these might work as a starting point for the intended device user.
You cannot modify the original vocabulary files. If one of the files would be appropriate for the device user, make a copy of it and customize the copy.
The device user’s vocabulary file can be created using ChatEditor and then imported onto the device for use.
To load a vocabulary file:
Click Library.
Choose the appropriate Symbol library (a page will display a list with the available vocabulary files).
Choose a library to load and click Open.
Once loaded, explore the page and button organization by choosing the buttons. Buttons with arrows will move to new pages.
To make a copy to customize a vocabulary file:
Click Library.
Choose the appropriate file, an
Click Duplicate.
Type a new name for the file.
Click Save.
Note: Custom files will be listed in the My Resources folder.
Update ChatEditor
In ChatEditor, go to Help > Check on-line for new version.
A message will show that a new version is available and ask if you want to download it. Click Yes. “Downloading Update” will show the progress of the download.
When the download is complete, you will be asked if you want to update to the new version.
Click Yes.
Select your installation language and click OK.
Click Next at the Welcome screen.
Accept the License Agreement and click Next.
Click Install at the Ready to Install window. A window will show the progress of the installation.
Click Finish when the installation is complete.
Open ChatEditor, go to Help > About, and check the software version to make sure the update worked.