# Getting Started with Braille Output for CircuitPython REPL

## Overview

https://youtu.be/nsJmADXx83Y

This project is a great way to learn and use [CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/what-is-circuitpython) for those that may be visually impaired or blind. Or if you just wanna read code with your fingers instead of your eyes, that's cool too.

The [Orbit Reader 20](https://www.orbitresearch.com/product/orbit-reader-20/) is a hardware device that outputs content from a computer as Braille. Know what that means? We can use it to send the Circuit Python REPL from a computer screen to the Orbit via the screen reader. The Orbit Reader outputs text from the [REPL](https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/the-repl) and converts it to Braille in real time!

**Please note: you cannot connect the Orbit directly to the CircuitPython board without a computer, at this time.**

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/865/medium800/hacks_image.png?1566590080 Orbit Reader 20)

## What's CircuitPython.... and a REPL?

[CircuitPython](https://www.CircuitPython.Org/) is a programming language designed to simplify experimenting and learning to program on low-cost microcontroller boards. 

The REPL, or  **R** ead- **E** valuate **-**** P **rint-** L**oop, allows you to enter individual lines of code and have them run immediately. It's really handy if you're running into trouble with a particular program and can't figure out why. It's interactive so it's great for testing new ideas.

## Prerequisite guides

New to CircuitPython and REPLs? Check out the following guide.

- [Welcome to CircuitPython!](https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/overview)

## Parts

- [Orbit Reader 20](https://www.orbitresearch.com/product/orbit-reader-20/)(a  Micro-USB cable is included)
- [A CircuitPython device](https://www.adafruit.com/circuitpython)\*
- [A micro-usb cable](https://www.adafruit.com/product/592)

\*In addition to the screen reader, you will need some sort of CircuitPython enabled device to read the REPL output from. In this tutorial, we are using an Adafruit PyPortal but you may use any device that can run CircuitPython!

[Here's a list of available boards](https://www.adafruit.com/circuitpython) to choose from.

## Optional
### Adafruit PyPortal - CircuitPython Powered Internet Display

[Adafruit PyPortal - CircuitPython Powered Internet Display](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4116)
 **PyPortal** , our easy-to-use IoT device that allows you to create all the things for the “Internet of Things” in minutes. Make custom touch screen interface GUIs, all open-source, and Python-powered using tinyJSON / APIs to get news, stock, weather, cat photos,...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4116)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4116/guides)
![Front view of a Adafruit PyPortal - CircuitPython Powered Internet Display with a pyportal logo image on the display. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4116-00.jpeg)

- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/getting-started-braille-output-circuitpython-repl/connecting-to-the-reader.md)

## Featured Products

### Adafruit PyPortal - CircuitPython Powered Internet Display

[Adafruit PyPortal - CircuitPython Powered Internet Display](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4116)
 **PyPortal** , our easy-to-use IoT device that allows you to create all the things for the “Internet of Things” in minutes. Make custom touch screen interface GUIs, all open-source, and Python-powered using tinyJSON / APIs to get news, stock, weather, cat photos,...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4116)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4116/guides)
### USB cable - USB A to Micro-B

[USB cable - USB A to Micro-B](https://www.adafruit.com/product/592)
This here is your standard A to micro-B USB cable, for USB 1.1 or 2.0. Perfect for connecting a PC to your Metro, Feather, Raspberry Pi or other dev-board or microcontroller

Approximately 3 feet / 1 meter long

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/592)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/592/guides)

## Related Guides

- [Adafruit PyPortal - IoT for CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-pyportal.md)
- [PyPortal Roku Remote](https://learn.adafruit.com/pyportal-roku-remote.md)
- [PyPortal MQTT Sensor Node/Control Pad for Home Assistant](https://learn.adafruit.com/pyportal-mqtt-sensor-node-control-pad-home-assistant.md)
- [PyPortal Twitter Follows Trophy](https://learn.adafruit.com/pyportal-twitter-follows-trophy.md)
- [PyPortal IoT Plant Monitor with AWS IoT and CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/pyportal-iot-plant-monitor-with-aws-iot-and-circuitpython.md)
- [PyPortal YouTube Views and Subscribers Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/pyportal-youtube-views-and-subscribers-display.md)
- [Upgrading AirLift ESP32 Firmware](https://learn.adafruit.com/upgrading-esp32-firmware.md)
- [PyPortal Adafruit Quote Book](https://learn.adafruit.com/pyportal-adafruit-quote-board.md)
- [PyPortal IoT Data Logger with Analog Devices ADT7410, Adafruit IO and CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/iot-pyportal-data-logger-adafruitio-circuitpython.md)
- [Custom Fonts for CircuitPython Displays](https://learn.adafruit.com/custom-fonts-for-pyportal-circuitpython-display.md)
- [PyPortal 2FA TOTP Authentication Friend](https://learn.adafruit.com/pyportal-2fa-totp-authentication-friend.md)
- [CircuitPython Display Support Using displayio](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-display-support-using-displayio.md)
- [PyPortal Case](https://learn.adafruit.com/pyportal-case.md)
- [PyPortal Event Count-Up Clock](https://learn.adafruit.com/pyportal-event-count-up-clock.md)
- [Making a PyPortal User Interface with DisplayIO](https://learn.adafruit.com/making-a-pyportal-user-interface-displayio.md)
- [Cleveland Museum of Art PyPortal Frame](https://learn.adafruit.com/cleveland-museum-of-art-pyportal-frame.md)