The stuff you saw was from the expensive version of the printer, $12,000 approximately. They are looking for letters of support to modify a less expensive version of a similar printer, to do the same thing. David Anbdrews On 1997-08-14 [log in to unmask] said: DB>I thought such a printer already existed. When I was out at C-SUN DB>last year, Blazie was showing a printer that produced raised DB>tactile print. We even brought back a few tactile maps of the US. DB>Are you speaking of something different. This printer laid down a DB>rubbery line. Dave DB>In your message you wrote: DB>>August 13, 1997 DB>>Robert S. Jaquiss DB>>Project Associate DB>>Braille Research Center DB>>1800 Johnson Street DB>>Baltimore, MD 21230 DB>>Phone: (503) 626-7174 (Home) DB>> (503) 627-4444 (Work) DB>>Email: [log in to unmask] DB>>Hello: DB>> I am writing to ask for letters of support for obtaining a DB>>grant to produce a printer capable of producing Raised Line Graphic DB>>images. Those of you who attended the National Federation of the DB>>Blind convention may recall that a resolution was passed asking the DB>>federal government to assist in further research in this area. DB>>Many convention attendees had the opportunity to examine a sample DB>>of the output of a Tektronix Inc. Phaser 600 printer demonstrating DB>>its ability to produce Raised Line Graphic images. Tektronix Inc. DB>>also produces a related product, the Phaser 300. This printer can DB>>print on 11X17 inch paper. The Phaser 300 and the Phaser 600 use DB>>the same printing technology. If all goes as planned, the modified DB>>Phaser 300 would be able to produce sharp, well defined tactile DB>>images. It will be possible to have lines of varying width, DB>>height, texture (dotted, dashed etc). It will also be possible to DB>>have filled areas of varying texture. As part of the process for DB>>obtaining funding, it is necessary to obtain letters of support DB>>from members of the blindness community. Letters should contain DB>>comments in the following areas: DB>>The need for access to raised line maps and diagrams in school. DB>>The need for access to raised line diagrams, graphs and DB>>spreadsheets at work. DB>>Did you change careers or give up on a career because you couldn't DB>>access graphic images? DB>>Would your career opportunities be improved if you could have rapid DB>>access to high quality Raised Line Graphics? DB>>I need letters as soon as possible. An Email copy is good, but I DB>>would also like to receive a copy on paper. Paper mail should be DB>>sent to the postal address as shown above. Thank you for your DB>>support. DB>> Sincerely DB>> Robert Jaquiss DB>>[log in to unmask] Public Access User --- Not affiliated with DB>>Teleport Public Access UNIX and Internet at (503) 220-1016 DB>(2400-14400, N81) David Andrews ([log in to unmask]) or BBS: (telnet to nfbnet.org) or call (612) 696-1975 Net-Tamer V 1.09 - Registered