BlueSwitch

The BlueSwitch device converts simple input switches into sophisticated Bluetooth output switches. BlueSwitch also supports simultaneous Bluetooth connections to three devices with auto-reconnect on power-up. To learn more about the capabilities of BlueSwitch, please visit the InvoTek website.

Four DIP switches on the right side of the BlueSwitch device enable to user to select among three standard operating modes and one custom mode. The BlueSwitch app is used to configure the BlueSwitch device when DIP switch 1 is in the ‘on’ position. DIP switch 1 should be ‘on’ when configuring the hardware so that you can test your settings.

In custom mode the functions of user input-switches 1 and 2 are highly configurable. BlueSwitch's custom mode comes preprogrammed to enable user-switch 1 to send the Bluetooth keys 'space' on a short switch closure (less than 1.5 seconds), 'enter' on a long switch closure (1.5 - 3.0 seconds), and to start scanning paired devices on a switch closure that is held for more than 3 seconds. This enables single-switch users to control up to three Bluetooth devices with a single input-switch.

The BlueSwitch app enables the following parameters to be set:

• Tell BlueSwitch to differentiate between short and long user-switch presses for input switches 1, 2, and/or 3.

• Tell BlueSwitch the press duration for a long switch press for input switches 1, 2, and/or 3.

• Tell BlueSwitch to send Bluetooth commands on switch press or release for input switches 1 and/or 2.

• Tell BlueSwitch to wait for an acceptance time before sending a Bluetooth command for switches 1, 2, and/or 3. If the acceptance time is not met, nothing is sent. This is helpful for people who tend to accidentally activate their switch multiple times when pressing or releasing.

• Tell BlueSwitch the time that user-switch 1 must be activated in order to enter the Bluetooth device selection mode.

The above settings should make it possible for nearly any switch-user to control multiple Bluetooth devices. If you would like help configuring your BlueSwitch or have questions, please call us. We are more than happy to help!

This app and BlueSwitch were developed under a grant to the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (The RERC on AAC) from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) grant # 90RE5017. However, the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the funding agency, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.