Lightwriter SL40 SMS
by Toby Churchill Ltd
Speak to anyone, anywhere, face-to-face or just give them a call!
This model is still under development. No release dates have been announced yet.

Much more than a smooth talker!
In one small package, the Lightwriter SL40 SMS is a new addition to the Lightwriter SL40 product range. Not only does this exciting text-to-speech communication aid provide the capabilities to communicate efficiently and effectively either through face to face communication, but the SL40 SMS gives the user the ability to use SMS to send text messages from this small compact device at home or when you are out and about.
Features and Benefits
- User-friendly, intuitive interface – Easy to use in all functions
- Out-facing daylight-readable display – Encourages conversational interaction in all settings
- NaturalSelection prediction – Faster communication
Your Lightwriter will automatically remember the words and phrases you type and how you use them. As you begin to communicate it will predict what you are most likely to enter next, and will display several options on screen to make conversation and typing quicker and easier. - High-quality Acapela voices – Improved intelligibility with intonation
The SL40 is available with US and UK High Quality Acapela Speech engines.
Listen to samples of Acapela Text-to-Speech voices (MP3):
- US English Female voice (longer sample 39 sec)
- US English Male voice (longer sample 38 sec)
- UK English Female voice (longer sample 22 sec)
- UK English Male voice (longer sample 22 sec)
Please note: Computer simulations of this speech can differ from production by a Lightwriter due to speaker and sound card differences. We strongly recommend that you trial an SL40 before purchasing it so that you can determine whether the speech synthesis meets your needs. - US English Female voice (longer sample 39 sec)
- SMS/Texting capabilities – Use SMS to send text messages
SMS texting on the SL40 operates in the same way as from a mobile phone, sending and receiving short typed messages to and from any other phone, Lightwriter SL40, or other device with SMS capability. Now users have the power to communicate over large distances at their fingertips with the Lightwriter SL40 SMS!
Please note: SIM card required. This has now been tested and worked successful with Telstra SIM cards. Other service providers have not yet been fully tested. - Trainable Infra-Red Remote (environmental control) – Extending the world of AAC to control basic IR controlled devices in the home
The SL40 has an infrared transmitter built-in which uses infrared to operate different devices around the home, for example appliances (such as televisions and stereos), toys, and some home control systems. Please note that there are some exceptions which will not work with the SL40. - Adjustable keyboard – Suitable for a wide range of users
There are many ways in which you can adapt the SL40 keyboard to suit individual needs.- Changing the Keyguard
Each Lightwriter SL40 is shipped with 3 changeable keyguards, which provide optional barriers of varying depths around the edges of the keys. This can help users to improve their typing accuracy. - Keyboard Layout
The SL40 keyboard setup can be changed to either QWERTY or ABC layouts, depending on user preference. - Key Settings
The time a key must be pressed for to register and the minimum time between pressing keys can both be adjusted in milliseconds. These will again help each individual to improve their typing accuracy.
- Changing the Keyguard
Other Features

- Robust, ergonomic and lightweight design
- Extensive memory capacity
- Notebook mode for storage and speech of longer texts
- Alarm clock and Phone/Contact book functions
- Easy-to-use set up wizard
- Long-life, rechargeable battery
- Available in black or white
The Lightwriter SL40 package includes:
- One year limited warranty
- Three keyguard options (normal, medium and deep)
- Carry bag and strap
- Charger
- Keyguard tools (screw-driver, key-ring and tool)
- Quickstart and user guides
Optional in-car chargers and mounting systems are available.
Lightwriter SL40 SMS Specifications
| Overall Size | 240mm x 140mm x 55mm |
| Weight | 870 grams |
| Keyboard Layouts | Standard QWERTY, changeable to ABC |
| Keyboard Adjustments | Key Hold Time and Key Tremor adjustable |
| Keyguards | Normal, medium and deep keyguards included with fitting tools |
| Displays | 2 displays: 1 facing user, 1 facing away. Standard Liquid Crystal Display back-lighted |
| Speech | Acapela HQ UK and US English (male and female voice) natural voice speech |
| SMS Text messaging | Siemens GSM messaging module (fit your own SIM card – tested and worked successful with Telstra SIM cards. Other service providers have not yet been fully tested.) |
| Power | Rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery |
| Battery Duration | All-day battery life with standard usage of 10% duty cycle and approx. 10 SMS text messages per day |
Related Products
Videos about Lightwriter SL40
Requirements and ResourcesexpandClick to collapse
View/Download
- SL40 User Guide (3.6 MB)
- Lightwriter SL40 Getting Started Card (1.3 MB)
Users can access Lightwriter SL40 SMS in the following ways:
- Keyboard
For answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and technical support visit: