DIY Switch Access to Infrared Devices
Published by OneSwitch.org.uk Saturday, 4 February 2012 5:30 PM.
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Have just added a DIY guide for switch adapting the Doro EasyHandle 321rc. This device allows you to clone specific infrared signals from the likes of TV remote controls, and assign them to a switch.
There's only room in this remote for two-switch sockets, but by rehousing the guts of it you can give access to all of the available buttons (although six sockets is about the limit for reliable use I'm guessing).
So what can you do with it? Some quick ideas are: To give switch control over some of the Robosapien line of toys, control a train-set (such as the LEGO City Passenger Train - Set No 7938) and of course control many different types of TV and music remotes.
Labels: D.I.Y. assistive technology guides, switch equipment, switch music player, switch toys
Switch Accessible RC Tumbler Car
Published by OneSwitch.org.uk Friday, 3 February 2012 10:41 PM.
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The video above is of one of my switch adapted Hitari Tumblers available in the OneSwitch shop. One switch to spin, and the other to go forwards. To my knowledge these are the most powerful radio controlled cars for use with accessibility switches.
In the spirit of balance and probably my bad business sense, here are some alternatives.
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Labels: switch toys
Only joshing, but I'm delighted to be awarded one of the top spots again at 7-128.com's yearly Top Websites for Accessible Gaming awards. Huge thanks to 7-128.com and to all the shoulders OneSwitch stands upon.
Labels: adapters
I'm not a fan of fishing even when made more accessible as I've said before on this blog, but I can't help but be impressed by two new-to-me automated casting rods found on YouTube.
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Labels: accessible sport
Switch Dog Ball Launcher
Published by OneSwitch.org.uk Wednesday, 1 February 2012 10:05 PM.
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Over at SpecialEffect I recently supported Sophie Patmore's family to trace a ball launching machine so that she could play with their dog. Her Dad knocked up the switch adaptation and all has worked out well.
If you search eBay, Amazon or Yahoo Auctions Japan these "MLB Pitching Machines" are fairly easy to find. Adaptation looks pretty straight forward too. An alternative is demonstrated by the Utah Centre for Assistive Technology with their adapted "GoDogGo!" unit.
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Labels: switch toys
It's not often that I discover a new business creating accessible game controllers. LP Accessible Technologies is such a thing. Looks like early days though as they only seem to have prototype controllers.
Take a look at their YouTube video channel for a better look at their wireless Xbox 360 Assistive Technology controller.
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Labels: controllers, Xbox360
Via Liberty Worx LCC: "The Spirit of America is alive and well in the hearts and souls of great Americans who care about their fellow man. The Spirit BloodBrothers at Liberty Worx LLC have created THE LIBERATOR, the ultimate chariot to the heavens for those with serious physical disabilities to celebrate their families' outdoor lifestyle with no restrictions."
What tosh! I'm no fan of guns, unless attached to a SEGA cabinet for shooting zombies or the type full of water. Liberty Worx seem to think it a good idea for disabled people to kill animals for fun with accessible guns and cross-bows. Can't say I agree. Their scan and select aiming system is quite impressive though. I was much more impressed by Hannable Haims' YouTube video of sip/puff pistol target shooting using parts from a 1960s car. Both systems look straight forward to make accessible using standard switches.
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Labels: accessible sport, switch equipment
Noel Fielding's Luxury Comedy
Published by OneSwitch.org.uk Tuesday, 31 January 2012 8:14 AM.
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Wonderful! Just what the world (well, my world at least) needs right now. Techni-colour comedy. My wife watched blankly but I love it. The muppets on LSD (the programme, not my wife and I!). Click on the image above to watch.
The popularity of the Apple iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad has led to a range of switch interfaces. But for as elegant as the likes of the it-iClick above may appear, things are a bit of a mess.
Kate Aherne has posted a break-down of much of what is currently available at the TLWMSN blog and a plea for greater access, echoed below:
"A Request to App Developers:
- Please make your apps switch accessible.
- Please demand that the makers of switch interfaces add non-proprietary switch settings to their interfaces (i.e. make all iOS switches/interfaces compatiable with all accessible apps and let customers choose your switch or interface based on the quality of construction and the design of the product not which one gets more bang for the buck in terms of which apps it controls).
- When choosing non-proprietary switch setting to run your app consider using standard keystrokes that can be sent via a bluetooth keyboard (i.e. arrow keys, tab/enter), switch interface makers will eventually have to add these if you insist on them in your apps.
- Please be sure to make your apps auditory scanning as well as visual scanning."
TouchToKey? My hope is that Apple or some clever App developer, create a JoyToKey type facility as soon as possible. Something that allows users to assign keypresses to emulate an array of touches and gestures.
Labels: Apple iPad, one-switch various, switch equipment
