With the help of someone on the GRML list, I created a script that can modify a standard GRML image for a particular hardware synth. If you use this script, you can create a GRML image that comes up talking via your hardware synth. It can also create an image that speaks via software speech without having to type in the commands after it boots. GRML is a Debian fork designed for use by people who like the command line. It is useful as a rescue system. You can activate speakup after it bootsbut with my script, you don't have to type anything. I pre-built images for the LiteTalk and for software speech. These images and the script can be found here: https://people.math.wisc.edu/~jheim/GRML/
This looks really useful. Thanks! Are there any places to get hardware synths these days? Please note: for accessibility reasons, please do not send me screenshots. Vacation alert: Jason Fayre Assistive Technology Specialist | Enterprise Endpoint Compute | Employee Technology Services | CIBC 81 Bay Street, 14th Floor Toronto ON, Canada, M5J 0E7 | Tel: (416) 412-2678 | jason.fayre@cibc.com<mailto:jason.fayre@cibc.com> From: John G. Heim via Blind-sysadmins <blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org> Sent: Monday, June 9, 2025 11:05 PM To: Mailing list for blind system administrators <blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org> Cc: John G. Heim <jheim@math.wisc.edu> Subject: [Blind-sysadmins] GRML for Speakup With the help of someone on the GRML list, I created a script that can modify a standard GRML image for a particular hardware synth. If you use this script, you can create a GRML image that comes up talking via your hardware synth. It can also create an image that speaks via software speech without having to type in the commands after it boots. GRML is a Debian fork designed for use by people who like the command line. It is useful as a rescue system. You can activate speakup after it bootsbut with my script, you don't have to type anything. I pre-built images for the LiteTalk and for software speech. These images and the script can be found here: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://people.math.wisc.edu/*jheim/GRML/__;fg!!PxNGlQK5RbneE5k!UOh8jcRjfFxPpNJ85l4NUmFDZqMec24mpiKROyFW91duuprsBeuSaDwJsXhl_AdYIIBu0xpi4-BiKNORx4PrYVejm5cL5292HTxg25U$<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/people.math.wisc.edu/*jheim/GRML/__;fg!!PxNGlQK5RbneE5k!UOh8jcRjfFxPpNJ85l4NUmFDZqMec24mpiKROyFW91duuprsBeuSaDwJsXhl_AdYIIBu0xpi4-BiKNORx4PrYVejm5cL5292HTxg25U$> _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list -- blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org<mailto:blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org> To unsubscribe send an email to blind-sysadmins-leave@lists.hodgsonfamily.org<mailto:blind-sysadmins-leave@lists.hodgsonfamily.org>
Yeah, sorry I couldn't get this working like 20 years ago. I don't think there are any places still manufacturing hardware speech synths. There is an image that uses software speech though. It doesn't start as early as if you are using a hardware synth but it does start during boot. The trick to getting GRML talking during boot if you have a hardware synth is to recreate the initramfs with your synth listed in the modules file. So the script starts with a GRML image, copies the iso file system to disk, unsquashes the root file system, updates the initramfs modules file, regenerates the intrd, copies that back into the iso file system, and regenerates the iso image. Piece of cake. For software speech, it does all of the above plus it creates a script that GRML knows to run during boot. The script tries to install espeakup and configure it to be enabled via systemd. I've found that installing espeakup while booting often fails for any number of different reasons. The full version of GRML already has espeakup installed so if you use the full version, it doesn't have to do that and almost always works. The only downside to using the full version of GRML is that it doesn't fit on a CD-RW. It does fit on a DVD or on a USB drive 1Gb or larger. So I don't figure that's much of a problem. I figure most people will be using software speech and booting from a USB flash drive. But it still works even if you are really retro and using a hardware synth and a CD-RW. efore On 6/10/25 7:15 AM, Fayre, Jason wrote:
This looks really useful. Thanks!
Are there any places to get hardware synths these days?
Please note: for accessibility reasons, please do not send me screenshots.
Vacation alert:
*Jason Fayre*
Assistive Technology Specialist | Enterprise Endpo*i*nt Compute | Employee Technology Services | CIBC
81 Bay Street, 14th Floor Toronto ON, Canada, M5J 0E7 | Tel: (416) 412-2678 | jason.fayre@cibc.com <mailto:jason.fayre@cibc.com>
*From:*John G. Heim via Blind-sysadmins <blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org> *Sent:* Monday, June 9, 2025 11:05 PM *To:* Mailing list for blind system administrators <blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org> *Cc:* John G. Heim <jheim@math.wisc.edu> *Subject:* [Blind-sysadmins] GRML for Speakup
With the help of someone on the GRML list, I created a script that can modify a standard GRML image for a particular hardware synth. If you use this script, you can create a GRML image that comes up talking via your hardware synth. It can also create an image that speaks via software speech without having to type in the commands after it boots. GRML is a Debian fork designed for use by people who like the command line. It is useful as a rescue system. You can activate speakup after it bootsbut with my script, you don't have to type anything. I pre-built images for the LiteTalk and for software speech. These images and the script can be found here: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://people.math.wisc.edu/*jheim/GRML/__;fg!!... <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/people.math.wisc.edu/*jheim/GRML/__;fg!!PxNGlQK5RbneE5k!UOh8jcRjfFxPpNJ85l4NUmFDZqMec24mpiKROyFW91duuprsBeuSaDwJsXhl_AdYIIBu0xpi4-BiKNORx4PrYVejm5cL5292HTxg25U$> _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list -- blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org To unsubscribe send an email to blind-sysadmins-leave@lists.hodgsonfamily.org
Thanks John. I've never used GRML. This does look really useful. Will give this a spin in VMware, using software speech. Cheers Chris -----Original Message----- From: John G. Heim via Blind-sysadmins <blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org> Sent: 10 June 2025 04:05 To: Mailing list for blind system administrators <blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org> Cc: John G. Heim <jheim@math.wisc.edu> Subject: [Blind-sysadmins] GRML for Speakup With the help of someone on the GRML list, I created a script that can modify a standard GRML image for a particular hardware synth. If you use this script, you can create a GRML image that comes up talking via your hardware synth. It can also create an image that speaks via software speech without having to type in the commands after it boots. GRML is a Debian fork designed for use by people who like the command line. It is useful as a rescue system. You can activate speakup after it bootsbut with my script, you don't have to type anything. I pre-built images for the LiteTalk and for software speech. These images and the script can be found here: https://people.math.wisc.edu/~jheim/GRML/ _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list -- blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org To unsubscribe send an email to blind-sysadmins-leave@lists.hodgsonfamily.org
Hello, Second the thank you. I've been looking for this for quite a while. Much thanks. Dave. On 6/12/2025 5:55 AM, Chris Turner via Blind-sysadmins wrote:
Thanks John. I've never used GRML. This does look really useful. Will give this a spin in VMware, using software speech.
Cheers
Chris
-----Original Message----- From: John G. Heim via Blind-sysadmins <blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org> Sent: 10 June 2025 04:05 To: Mailing list for blind system administrators <blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org> Cc: John G. Heim <jheim@math.wisc.edu> Subject: [Blind-sysadmins] GRML for Speakup
With the help of someone on the GRML list, I created a script that can modify a standard GRML image for a particular hardware synth. If you use this script, you can create a GRML image that comes up talking via your hardware synth. It can also create an image that speaks via software speech without having to type in the commands after it boots.
GRML is a Debian fork designed for use by people who like the command line. It is useful as a rescue system. You can activate speakup after it bootsbut with my script, you don't have to type anything.
I pre-built images for the LiteTalk and for software speech. These images and the script can be found here:
https://people.math.wisc.edu/~jheim/GRML/
_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list -- blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org To unsubscribe send an email to blind-sysadmins-leave@lists.hodgsonfamily.org
_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list -- blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org To unsubscribe send an email to blind-sysadmins-leave@lists.hodgsonfamily.org
-- Sent with Thunderbird
Are you planning to go back to Cyprus? With your VL? ~ Lance From: David Mehler via Blind-sysadmins <blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org> Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2025 9:47 PM To: Chris Turner via Blind-sysadmins <blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org> Cc: David Mehler <dave.mehler@gmail.com> Subject: [Blind-sysadmins] Re: GRML for Speakup Hello, Second the thank you. I've been looking for this for quite a while. Much thanks. Dave. On 6/12/2025 5: 55 AM, Chris Turner via Blind-sysadmins wrote: > Thanks John. I've never used GRML. This does look really useful. Will give this Hello, Second the thank you. I've been looking for this for quite a while. Much thanks. Dave. On 6/12/2025 5:55 AM, Chris Turner via Blind-sysadmins wrote:
Thanks John. I've never used GRML. This does look really useful. Will give this a spin in VMware, using software speech.
Cheers
Chris
-----Original Message-----
From: John G. Heim via Blind-sysadmins <blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org>
Sent: 10 June 2025 04:05
To: Mailing list for blind system administrators <blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org>
Cc: John G. Heim <jheim@math.wisc.edu>
Subject: [Blind-sysadmins] GRML for Speakup
With the help of someone on the GRML list, I created a script that can modify a standard GRML image for a particular hardware synth. If you use this script, you can create a GRML image that comes up talking via your hardware synth. It can also create an image that speaks via software speech without having to type in the commands after it boots.
GRML is a Debian fork designed for use by people who like the command line. It is useful as a rescue system. You can activate speakup after it bootsbut with my script, you don't have to type anything.
I pre-built images for the LiteTalk and for software speech. These images and the script can be found here:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://people.math.wisc.edu/*jheim/GRML/__;fg!!...
_______________________________________________
Blind-sysadmins mailing list -- blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org
To unsubscribe send an email to blind-sysadmins-leave@lists.hodgsonfamily.org
_______________________________________________
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To unsubscribe send an email to blind-sysadmins-leave@lists.hodgsonfamily.org
-- Sent with Thunderbird _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list -- blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org To unsubscribe send an email to blind-sysadmins-leave@lists.hodgsonfamily.org
Ctrl + Z won’t help here 😊 ~ Lance From: Bell, Lance via Blind-sysadmins <blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org> Sent: Friday, June 13, 2025 9:52 AM To: Mailing list for blind system administrators <blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org> Cc: Bell, Lance <Lance.Bell@gov.mb.ca> Subject: [Blind-sysadmins] Re: GRML for Speakup Are you planning to go back to Cyprus? With your VL? ~ Lance From: David Mehler via Blind-sysadmins <blind-sysadmins@ lists. hodgsonfamily. org> Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2025 9: 47 PM To: Chris Turner via Blind-sysadmins <blind-sysadmins@ lists. hodgsonfamily. org> Are you planning to go back to Cyprus? With your VL? ~ Lance From: David Mehler via Blind-sysadmins <blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org<mailto:blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org>> Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2025 9:47 PM To: Chris Turner via Blind-sysadmins <blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org<mailto:blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org>> Cc: David Mehler <dave.mehler@gmail.com<mailto:dave.mehler@gmail.com>> Subject: [Blind-sysadmins] Re: GRML for Speakup Hello, Second the thank you. I've been looking for this for quite a while. Much thanks. Dave. On 6/12/2025 5: 55 AM, Chris Turner via Blind-sysadmins wrote: > Thanks John. I've never used GRML. This does look really useful. Will give this Hello, Second the thank you. I've been looking for this for quite a while. Much thanks. Dave. On 6/12/2025 5:55 AM, Chris Turner via Blind-sysadmins wrote:
Thanks John. I've never used GRML. This does look really useful. Will give this a spin in VMware, using software speech.
Cheers
Chris
-----Original Message-----
From: John G. Heim via Blind-sysadmins <blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org<mailto:blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org>>
Sent: 10 June 2025 04:05
To: Mailing list for blind system administrators <blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org<mailto:blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org>>
Cc: John G. Heim <jheim@math.wisc.edu<mailto:jheim@math.wisc.edu>>
Subject: [Blind-sysadmins] GRML for Speakup
With the help of someone on the GRML list, I created a script that can modify a standard GRML image for a particular hardware synth. If you use this script, you can create a GRML image that comes up talking via your hardware synth. It can also create an image that speaks via software speech without having to type in the commands after it boots.
GRML is a Debian fork designed for use by people who like the command line. It is useful as a rescue system. You can activate speakup after it bootsbut with my script, you don't have to type anything.
I pre-built images for the LiteTalk and for software speech. These images and the script can be found here:
Blind-sysadmins mailing list -- blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org<mailto:blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org>
To unsubscribe send an email to blind-sysadmins-leave@lists.hodgsonfamily.org<mailto:blind-sysadmins-leave@lists.hodgsonfamily.org>
_______________________________________________
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To unsubscribe send an email to blind-sysadmins-leave@lists.hodgsonfamily.org<mailto:blind-sysadmins-leave@lists.hodgsonfamily.org>
-- Sent with Thunderbird _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list -- blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org<mailto:blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org> To unsubscribe send an email to blind-sysadmins-leave@lists.hodgsonfamily.org<mailto:blind-sysadmins-leave@lists.hodgsonfamily.org> _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list -- blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org<mailto:blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org> To unsubscribe send an email to blind-sysadmins-leave@lists.hodgsonfamily.org<mailto:blind-sysadmins-leave@lists.hodgsonfamily.org>
participants (5)
-
Bell, Lance -
David Mehler -
Fayre, Jason -
John G. Heim -
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