Goedhart VisiCom
 | |
| Manufacturer | Goedhart Electronics |
|---|---|
| Keyswitches | Printec-DS Sicotast S7 |
| Keycaps | double-shot with inverse cross mounts |
| Interface | 4P4C |
| Years of production | 1995 [1] to at least 2004 |
The Goedhart VisiCom is a text telephone for the deaf and hearing impaired that was made by the Dutch company Goedhart Electronics. The general design seems to be from 1995, at least that is the date on the main unit's motherboard.
Function
The VisiCom is to be connected to an ordinary computer screen and can be used to transfer text over an ordinary telephone line (DTMF) between VisiCom users. As soon as one letter is typed it appears on the other user's screen. It works in a kind of a half duplex mode: only one user should type at the same time but both users can type simultaneously. That, however, would result in gibberish. Typing an "X" would tell your communication partner that you are done writing and it is his turn. That's why the X legend is red. The double stepped, red keys on the top of the keyboard are function keys to control the VisiCom's software interface.
In The Netherlands, there is an operator service run by the Dutch national telephone company (used to be PTT, now KPN) that translates messages between teksttelefoon users and normal, i.e. audio, telephones (used to be Teleplus, now Teletolk). It seems that the Goedhart VisiCom cannot be used with the new Teletolk service.
Keycaps
The keyboard's keycaps have inverse cross mounts and are double-shot except for the red function keys which are pad-printed. There are no stabilisers present except under the space bar.
Switches
On the inside, there is a large PCB supporting the switches. It was produced by DS Keyboard Technic, and uses Printec-DS Sicotast S7 switches.
Gallery
Keyboard and main unit, top view.
Keyboard and main unit, back view.
Top view of the keyboard.
Keycaps, top view.
Keycaps, bottom view.
PCB of the main unit.
PCB of the keyboard, keycaps removed.
Bottom side of the keyboard's PCB.
Keyboard controller daughterboard, top view.
Keyboard controller daughterboard, back view.
Printec-DS S7 switch, top view.
Printec-DS S7 switch, bottom view.
Disassembled Printec-DS S7 switch.
Carbon contact on the PCB; part of the Printec-DS S7 switch technology.
Software user interface of the Goedhart VisiCom.
References
- ↑ The general design seems to be from 1995, at least that's the date on the main unit's motherboard.
External links
- Deskthority — Goedhart Visicom teksttelefoon
