[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "i%20have%20a%20mantis%20braille%20display.%20Very%20frequently%20the%20braille%20on%20the%20display%20disappears%20for%20a%20while%20and%20then%20re-appears%20again.%20I%20have%20jaws%20configured%20to%20use%20it%20with%20a%20usb%20port.%20I%20have%20tried%20using%20a%20different%20usb%20port%20on%20my%20machine%2C%20and%20using%20a%20thicker%20cable%2C%20but%20it%20has%20made%20no%20difference%20to%20the%20behaviour.%20what%20else%20can%20i%20try%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here are several things you can try to diagnose and fix the issue where your Mantis Q40 braille display \u201closes\u201d braille output for a while during use with JAWS, then later works again. I\u2019ll break them into likely causes and possible fixes, so you can try them one at a time.\n\n---\n\n## Possible causes of intermittent braille output\n\n1. **Outdated firmware or driver compatibility issues**  \n   There have been reports of Mantis Q40 units having problems (including output \u201cdropping\u201d) with various screen readers, especially before certain firmware updates. ([afb.org](https://www.afb.org/aw/21/8/17143?utm_source=openai))\n\n2. **JAWS display configuration issues**  \n   If JAWS isn\u2019t properly set to use the Mantis display, or if it falls back to a generic or HID driver, it may lose connection momentarily. ([sastltd.zohodesk.eu](https://sastltd.zohodesk.eu/portal/en/kb/articles/jaws-set-up-humanware-mantis-q40?utm_source=openai))\n\n3. **USB communication / power issues**  \n   Even with a different USB port or a thicker cable, issues like loose connectors, insufficient power, or USB ports with intermittent behaviour can cause drops. Also, battery state or charging vs powered mode can affect operation. ([afb.org](https://www.afb.org/aw/21/8/17143?utm_source=openai))\n\n4. **Using Bluetooth or HID protocols at the same time**  \n   Sometimes conflicts between Bluetooth connections, HID profiles, or when the device is connected to multiple hosts may interfere with stable braille output. Although in your case you said USB, but if Bluetooth has been used before, lingering connections might interfere. ([afb.org](https://www.afb.org/aw/21/8/17143?utm_source=openai))\n\n5. **Terminal mode or display settings on Mantis**  \n   The Mantis has different \u201cconnection types\u201d and terminal modes (USB vs Mac vs Windows), and may require toggling these depending on your host system. If it\u2019s in a mode not optimized for your OS, behaviour may degrade. ([wssb.wa.gov](https://www.wssb.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/Mantis-User-Guide-V2.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## Things you can try to resolve or narrow it down\n\nHere\u2019s a checklist of things to try. After each, test your display for a while to see if the drops still happen.\n\n1. **Update firmware on the Mantis**  \n   - Ensure your Mantis is using the latest firmware (e.g. version 2.6.0 build 5120 or newer if available) from HumanWare / APH. ([humanware.com](https://www.humanware.com/en-usa/support/mantis_q40?utm_source=openai))  \n   - You can update via USB or via SD card. The battery must be at least ~50% for firmware updates. ([wssb.wa.gov](https://www.wssb.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/Mantis-User-Guide-V2.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n2. **Update or reinstall the JAWS driver / configuration**  \n   - If your JAWS is version 2020 or later, the Mantis Q40 driver should already be included. Confirm in JAWS\u2019 Braille Setup that \u201cAPH Mantis Q40\u201d is selected. ([sastltd.zohodesk.eu](https://sastltd.zohodesk.eu/portal/en/kb/articles/jaws-set-up-humanware-mantis-q40?utm_source=openai))  \n   - If you\u2019re using an older version of JAWS, download and run *Braille Terminal Tools* from the HumanWare / APH site. Install this so that JAWS knows how to fully talk to the Mantis. Then restart JAWS. ([afb.org](https://www.afb.org/aw/21/8/17143?utm_source=openai))\n\n3. **Check connection type settings on the Mantis**  \n   - In the Mantis\u2019 menu, check under *Terminal mode* \u2192 *USB connection type* (Windows / Mac). Make sure it matches the OS of your computer. If it's mismatched, it can cause issues. ([wssb.wa.gov](https://www.wssb.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/Mantis-User-Guide-V2.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n   - Also check *Terminal mode only* is either turned off or properly configured. If \"terminal mode only\" is on, USB may be prioritized or limited. ([aph.org](https://www.aph.org/product/mantis-q40/?utm_source=openai))\n\n4. **Power and USB port setup**  \n   - Use a USB port on your computer that is known to be high-powered (i.e. directly from the machine, not a passive hub). Sometimes cheaper or older USB ports don\u2019t supply enough stable current.  \n   - If possible, try the USB cable you already used but with a different computer (to rule out machine-specific issues).  \n   - Ensure adequate battery charge on the Mantis; low battery levels sometimes reduce output behaviour. Some users report that connecting to power or using a plug removes instability. ([afb.org](https://www.afb.org/aw/21/8/17143?utm_source=openai))\n\n5. **Make sure JAWS isn\u2019t being interrupted or paused**  \n   - Check that no other program or driver is grabbing the display\u2019s serial over USB or interfering (for example, Virtual COM, Windows tasks, or malware/security software).  \n   - Also check for power saving settings: sometimes USB ports are allowed to turn off to save power. Under Device Manager \u2192 USB hubs \u2192 Power Management, disable \u201cAllow computer to turn off this device to save power.\u201d  \n\n6. **Test in another screen reader or device**  \n   - Try the same Mantis & cable on another computer with JAWS, or test with NVDA or Narrator if available. If output still disappears, the device or firmware is more likely the cause.  \n   - If it's stable there, the problem is more likely your specific computer\u2019s setup.\n\n7. **Resetting connections / re-pairing if Bluetooth used before**  \n   - Even though you are using USB, residual/previous Bluetooth pairings or profiles might interfere. Make sure Bluetooth is turned off on Mantis and on your computer, and any paired device forgotten.  \n   - Then try cleanly connecting via USB only.  \n\n8. **Contact technical support / warranty**  \n   - If none of the above fix the problem, it may be a hardware issue with the braille cells, USB port on the device, or internal ribbon cable being loose. APH / HumanWare support may need to look at it. If your unit is under warranty or extended warranty, it may be repairable. ([aph.org](https://www.aph.org/product/mantis-q40/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me your **JAWS version**, **firmware version on Mantis**, and what operating system you're using (Windows version, build), I can give more precise steps. Want me to walk through those details with you?"
    }
]