In the late 1980's and early 1990's I successfully used one of the original Everest Embosser's.
The majority of people who initially owned an Everest here in the U. S. had paper jamming problems which I had never experienced. My success was based on my sole use of commercial cover stock bought at any office supplier or retail store. After talking to other Braille equipment vendors and Everest owners at that time, it was revealed that the issue was with our old fashioned "Braille" paper here in the U.S. and not the Everest embosser itself!
In North America, Braille paper is cut differently than commercial paper and this difference in the cutting process caused an uneven paper distribution when embossing. The Braille paper cutting process in Europe is a commercial method so they did not have the same problems we had here in the U.S. As a result, these problems created some unfavorable reviews for the Everest here in the U. S. in those initial years. Subsequently, Telesensory tried to "fix" the paper jamming problem by changing some of the hardware and software components of the Everest but this only caused other issues and problems.
After trial and error, the final solution was to simply use commercial grade paper! Over the years, INDEX has sold many updated Everest models using the current state-of-the-art technology.
In 2002, I had Peabody Public Schools purchased an Everest Embosser and there have NEVER been any problems, even when using non-commercial "Braille" paper. We have always received excellent support which was only necessary when using some of the advanced features or in solving minor problems caused by Windows or other Braille translation programs. Also, the Everest has never required any repairs which our other smaller "portable embossers" often do. The Everest is able to handle a heavy load of Braille production required in an educational inclusion setting which other embossers are unable to without many repairs. Two other school systems, two adults, a student, and an employer of a blind worker all happily purchased an Everest embosser based on my recommendations alone.
The latest EVEREST EMBOSSER model has USB & Ethernet support, a built-in Braille translator, (WinBraille) and excellent graphic support. The graphics are better quality and are much easier to produce than the Tiger Embosser graphics. Because WinBraille is a Braille translator packaged with every INDEX embosser, documents can be Brailled directly from Microsoft Word! (The 'Emboss' command is included in the drop down File Menu of MSWORD!)
For TVI'S and small Braille vendors, my top 10 reasons for the EVEREST EMBOSSER as the best kept secret are as follows:
- Single sheet paper feed, no more tractor-feed. Purchasing commercial cover stock instead of Braille paper saves $ for Special Education programs!
- Interpoint capability with a range of adjustments for Braille height and line spacing.
- Latest model has USB and Ethernet connections for networking and high speed production.
- WinBraille Translation software included! Braille translation happens within MSWORD. No need to buy additional expensive Braille Translation software!
- Accommodates different paper sizes and weights including Braille Embossables (tear off the tractor feed strips)
- Front Braille panel with talking menus for quick changes; can save 3 separate paper settings on front panel.
- Quieter than most embossers.
- Uses a smaller area of desktop space and looks "cool".
- Easy to learn and user friendly for non-Braille readers.
- Excellent tech support from vendors and from INDEX.
My Braille students enjoy using cover stock in different colors when they are assigned special projects or reports. Their documents are printed double or triple-space on a deskjet or laser printer using 60 to 90 lb cover stock and then placed in the Everest for embossing on the same page with the print. The final product is in an accessible format for all to read! Please contact me if you have further questions or comments.
Pamela S. Sudore, TVI/COMS
Peabody Public Schools
Sight Line for the Blind
781-595-980