What to do with Telesensory equipment?(self.Blind)
submitted by brewster_239
I just bought a cabin and the previous owner was visually impaired. It came with a Telesensory Voyager XL CCD. Looks like it uses video to magnify papers, books, whatever, and project onto a TV screen.
She used it for reading and writing stuff, paying bills, etc. Is this something I could donate somewhere? Is it still useful, or is it obsolete and should just go to goodwill or be recycled?
I can share more details if needed.
Thanks!
KillerLag5 points1y ago
You can contact your local vision loss agency and ask if they accept donations. Depending on how well it works, it can be used for some people. Some agencies send older models to third world countries for blind schools that can't afford them.
I've seen ones that were building in the 90s that are still good workhorses. They can weigh a lot, though (especially the older CRT screens).
brewster_239 [OP]3 points1y ago
Thank you! That’s a great idea to check with a local agency.
This one has no screen, it looks to have regular AV connections that plug into a TV or monitor or something.
KillerLag3 points1y ago
Older models have the old AV jacks, which is an indicator how old they can be. The AV jacks were eventually replaced with VGA connectors.
brewster_239 [OP]3 points1y ago
Oh, that’s a good point. I’ll take a closer look. Thank you!
jage93 points1y ago
A lot of retirement/senior communities would love something like this and may have people that could use it.
brewster_239 [OP]3 points1y ago
Great idea. I’ll check into that. Thanks!!
Shadowwynd1 points1y ago
If it still runs (e.g. hook it up to a TV and try it out - do the zoom/focus/contrast knobs work OK) then yes, someone out there can use it - contact an assistive technology or low vision center to donate it.
If it doesn't work, send it to be recycled - not really worth trying to fix one that old (but call the AT / LV center anyway and see if they want it).
At our center, we have quite a few dinosaur CCTVs that come in (and go out again to new users). The older ones are butt-ugly and heavy and bulky and light on features - but if they work, it means independence in reading mail and reading the diabetes test strip or the morning paper or the note from the doctor or identifying medicine or a thousand other things that are otherwise impossible for someone with vision loss who can't afford $3000-$4000 for a new machine. It is like having a clunker car from the 80's - doesn't have any bluetooth or heated seats and the AC doesn't work - but if it runs, it is your independence.
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