A new C-Pen is ready to use out of the box, but it starts in right-handed mode with a British English voice. Before handing it to a student or client, charge it and run the setup wizard to check five settings: hand, reading language, voice, volume and read-aloud. It takes about five minutes.
Before you start
- Charge the pen fully. Use the cable in the box. A full charge lasts a school day.
- Have the user with you if you can, so you set the hand and volume for them.
Run the setup wizard
On all three models, go to Settings and choose Run Wizard. The wizard walks through the main settings in order. You can also change each one later in Settings.
The five settings
- Hand. Pens start in right-handed mode. Switch to left-handed if the user scans with their left hand. This is the most common cause of poor scans.
- Reading language. Pens start in English. Change it if the user reads text in another language (see languages and voice).
- Voice. Pens start with a British English voice. Choose Australian English so the user hears the accent they hear in class.
- Volume. Set it for the room. Plug in headphones for independent work, and check the level with them in.
- Read-aloud. Pens start with read-aloud on, so text is spoken as soon as it is scanned. Leave it on for most users.
Model-specific extras
| Model | Also check |
|---|---|
| C-Pen Reader 2 | Nothing else is needed. The dictionary and storage are ready to use |
| C-Pen Reader 3 | Set the date and time, which updates need. Connect to Wi-Fi only if you need extra languages or translation (see connecting to school Wi-Fi) |
| C-Pen Exam Reader 2 | Spoken menus are on during the wizard and can be turned off after it. Leave them on for users who need audio prompts. Turn on UI lock before tests and exams (see Exam Mode setup) |
Test it
- Scan a line of printed text at a normal size (see scanning technique).
- Check the words are read correctly, in the right voice, at a comfortable volume.
- If words are missed, check the hand setting and slow down.
Keep it up to date
Check the firmware version once a term and update if a newer version is available (see updating firmware).
Frequently asked questions
How do I set up a new C-Pen?
Charge it, then go to Settings and choose Run Wizard. Set the hand, reading language, voice, volume and read-aloud, then scan a line of text to test it.
How do I change a C-Pen to left-handed?
Go to Settings and choose Run Wizard, or change the hand setting directly in Settings. Pens start in right-handed mode.
How do I get an Australian accent on my C-Pen?
In Settings, choose Run Wizard and select the Australian English voice. Pens start with British English.
Does a C-Pen need Wi-Fi or an app to set up?
No. All setup happens on the pen. The Reader 3 uses Wi-Fi only for extra languages, translation and updates.
More C-Pen guides for schools and therapistsSetup help, exam provisions, funding and model comparisons in one place.
