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Chapter 5 Using Overlay Keyboards
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• Concept Universal
The Concept Universal has been developed from the original old blue Concept Keyboard. They
are available in A4 or A3 size, with 256 keys. They are supplied with one connecting cable for
the computer of your choice: you can buy extra cables for other computers separately. The cables
are either the parallel type (for plugging into BBC, Acorn or Nimbus User Port) or the serial type
(for plugging into a PC ‘COM’ port, Acorn serial port, or Macintosh Printer/Modem ports). The
keyboards have ‘key beep’ and ‘auto-repeat’ options.
• Concept Universal Plus
A new version of the Concept Universal with a more attractive and comfortable case. It has non-
slip feet, holds overlays more securely, and has screw fixings for mounting. A version with an
infra-red link, instead of the cable, is available. This keyboard can operate the same software as
the standard Concept Universal.
• Touch ‘N’ Go
Touch ‘N’ Go is approximately A5 size (half A4), has 256 keys, and uses standard Concept
Keyboard software. It connects to the computer with a cable or infra-red link.
• Informatrix 2
Informatrix is a ‘high-resolution’ version of the A3 Concept keyboard, with 4,096 keys instead of
256. More and smaller keys means you can design overlays with more accurate areas for detailed
pictures and maps. The board can be used with the same overlays and software as the other A3
size boards (with up to 256 keys), but Informax software must be used if more than 256 keys are
required. Informatrix uses the same serial cables as the Concept Universal to plug into Acorn,
Macintosh or PC computers. It has key beep and auto-repeat options.
• Keyguards and accessories
Keyguards for A3 and A4 Concept Keyboards are available with 2, 4, 6, 12 and 32 holes. The
Concept Lynx can give switch users access to concept keyboard software. It is a small box with
four switch jack sockets; when a switch is pressed the software acts as though a key has been
pressed on the Concept Keyboard.
• Concept Keyboard software
The Concept keyboards all need special driver or emulator software (such as Informax, Concept
Plus/Concept Plus Multimedia, or Conform+) which recognises when a key has been pressed and
then carries out the programmed operation on the computer. You can use the software to create
your own overlays and programme the keyboard to work with particular applications. Most of the
programs let you programme the keyboard to generate text, operate the control keys; move the
mouse pointer; and play digitised sound. Concept Plus Multimedia is an extension to Concept
Plus which lets you create multimedia activities, with recorded sound, synthesised speech and
video clips, with matching overlays. Some educational software already has the Concept
Keyboard driver built-in (such as Writing with Symbols and Making Tracks to Literacy from
Widgit, and some My World screens).
IntelliKeys
IntelliKeys has 576 keys and plugs into a Mac or PC keyboard connector in place of the standard
keyboard; no special software is needed. It gives full control over the computer, including control
over the mouse pointer and access to menus and dialogue boxes. It comes with seven ready made
standard overlays: full QWERTY keyboard and mouse control; alphabetic; numeric; large mouse
overlays; ‘setup’ for programming the keyboard response. It also has two 3.5mm jack sockets for
switch users so can be used as a programmable switch interface. There are keyguards for the
seven standard overlays and a range of keyguards for custom overlays, with 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15
or 20 holes. There is a range of educational software which is supplied with ready-made
overlays. You can buy ready-made software and overlays to access Edmark software such as
Bailey’s Book House and Millie’s Math House. Custom overlay files and overlays for computer