The APH Joy Player allows individuals who are developing fine motor skills, have limited mobility, or a cognitive disability, in addition to a visual impairment to access music and audio books.
Designed to be used with the personal music player routine in APH’s Sensory Learning Kit (SLK), the Joy Player allows individuals to access music and audio books by playing WAV or MP3 files that are copied onto SD cards, USB flash drives, and Digital Talking Book (DTB) cartridges. (The player does not play pre-recorded books on DTB Cartridges from the National Library Service (NLS) because NLS uses 3GS files, not WAV or MP3 files.)
A chute helps players guide the cartridge into the Joy Player. Twist-on caps (with accompanying rings) reduces the number of button switches on the device. There are five button switches that operate—from left to right—the following tasks: decrease volume, back to the previous song (reverse), play/pause, advance to the next song (fast-forward), increase volume.
The back of the device has jacks to accept external switches. Five switches can be added to provide the function of each button switch. External switches operate whether the player is using AC or DC. The SLK Power Select occurs when the main power switch on the back of the player is set in the SLK mode position. In this mode, and when using a sip and puff switch, the user can play and pause the audio, however they will be unable to control song choice or volume.
Note: Now available for free on the APH Tactile Graphics Image Library (TGIL): The Joy Player Cartridge Holder! The APH Tactile Graphic Image Library (TGIL) has a file which allows you to print each of the Joy Player’s buttons on your own 3-D printer, according to its ability. Sign in or register for a free account at: https://imagelibrary.aph.org/aphb/.
Available in two versions, the slide closure and screw closure allow the user to insert the cartridge into the Joy Player using a fist of fingers and provides a vertical ledge to grasp and pull with the whole hand. The cut outs in the ledge accommodate pull straps (not included). The files to 3-D print this assistive device are available for free on APH’S TGIL.
Note: This item is not eligible for Free Matter for the Blind shipping and requires paid freight.
Multiple modes of operation
Operates with AC (plugs into the wall outlet) and DC (batteries)
Measures 13 1/2 x 6 1/2 x 2 inches
Guidebook available as a free download at http://www.aph.org/manuals/index.html. Click additional information for trouble-shooting tips.
65-inch hook and loop strap
Belt loop feet
Cartridge chute
Bag of black caps and rings
Recharger
USB Cable
5 DTB Cartridges
6 rechargeable AA metal hydride batteries
Braille note on downloadable instructions
Large print instruction book
What kind of songs/files does the Joy Player support?
Songs/Files must be MP3 or WAV files. MP4 or 3GS (NLS) songs/files may be converted to MP3 or WAV.
Can the Joy Player be muted/silenced?
When the Volume Down button switch is pressed to the limit, the player is completely silent.
Will the Joy Player cartridge override a flash drive or SD card?
If using a flash drive or SD card, the cartridge overrides a flash drive or an SD card. Make sure any cartridge inserted into the chute is not blank.
What kind of music files should be loaded onto the Joy Player cartridge?
When selecting a group of music files to place on a cartridge, do not select a file that is not a WAV or MP3 file. If this happens, connect the cartridge back to your computer and remove the alien file.
Can the Joy Player batteries be replaced?
Do not remove the rechargeable batteries that come in the device. Alkaline batteries will work, but they are not rechargeable. If you received the Joy Player from an outside source, check to see if the correct batteries are in the device. The device ships with batteries that are white with the APH logo on them. Batteries are not replaceable.
How to troubleshoot a Joy Player cartridge?
If you experience problems with a cartridge, connect the cartridge to the computer using the USB cable, reformat the cartridge, and reload your music:
For PC: Go to My PC and right click on the cartridge icon and select “Format.” The default should be FAT32. If it is not FAT32, change and click “Start.” If it is already FAT32, click “Start.” This will wipe the cartridge clean. Now, reload music to the cartridge.
For Mac: Launch Disk Utility, located in Applications > Utilities. Find the drive name from the left-hand side of Disk Utility and click on it. Mac default is FAT32. Click on the “Erase” tab across the top.
