A review by Ken Reid
This review was written in November 2011 and Pure Chronus was priced between £85- £100 at the time of writing.
About me
My name is Ken Reid, I'm in my early 50s, and have been registered blind for about 20 years. Sight loss has been gradual, as a result of Retinitis Pigmentosa, and I now have only a very slight amount of residual vision, which helps with mobility but not detailed work.I listen to a lot of radio, morning noon and night!
I will be reviewing Pure Chronus Digital Radio which I have been using for about a year now. Chronus can bought for anything from £85 - £100, depending on vendor.
Setting up and using the radio
Before making my purchase, I asked for a demonstration of the basic operations of the device. This was mainly to ensure that I would be able to use it once I had it set up, and it did mean that I was able to get some output from it immediately. However, to get full functionality I required sighted help.
There are eight flat buttons on the front of the machine for controlling the functions. These have little tactile presence, so it was hard to activate the device. I was aware of this before purchasing, but had a tactic for overcoming it. I put bump ons on each button.
I like to have my favourite six channels available on preset buttons for quick selection since I listen to radio a lot. These include (in no particular order) BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio 2, 4 and 5 Live, plus Planet Rock and Classic FM.
In additon to the radio, the device also has a CD player. The buttons for this are slightly more tactile, but it requires a change of mode from the front panel before it can be operated.
Benefits and drawbacks
Pure Chronus is not completely accessible as I required a sighted friend to set up my preset channels. I then applied bump ons to the buttons so I could use the radio.
This was fine, until the presets were cancelled for some reason. I wasn't touching the machine when it happened, so it must have been something internal. I haven't yet arranged for someone to help reset them.
However, now that I can feel the buttons with the bump ons, I am able to manually select channels. I tend to work within a small range of radio stations, and have memorised the number of clicks on the dial that are required to find my favourites!
Despite these disadvantages, I use the radio on a number of channels most days, and use the CD player regularly.
My wish list
Most importantly, the preset controls require to be stable. Once set they are easy enough to use, but having lost them all, I am left without presets, and needing sighted help to reset. I am concerned that any reset will only be temporary once more.
Buttons should be easier to find tactilely. However, I am grateful they are not touch sensitive!
Overall evaluation
Over a period of one year, I have learnt to use Chronus and am now able to find my way around it. However it could be designed better for use by people wih sightloss.
Legal disclaimer
This review reflects the opinions of the author only. RNIB cannot be held liable for opinions expressed in this article.
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