Knowledge base
- Downloading and Burning ISO Files
- Gathering information about an error
- Which versions of Windows are supported?
- Types of USB switch connector
- Questions about Smartbox Update
- Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows XP
- Installing VLC media player.
- Activate Smartbox software without an internet connection
- Using your CereVoice Me voice in Grid 3
- Licencing Dwell Clicker 2
- Alea Intelligaze Shortcuts
- Windows 10 and your device
- Quick device maintenance and troubleshooting
- Finding Log files for our software
- Returning an item to us
- Smartbox and your data
- Using Grid 3 to play Steam games
- Reducing the size of photo files for use in Grid 3
- How to disable Windows 10 sign-in
- Unable to access a free trial of a licensed grid set
- Cannot pair wireless Acer keyboard with Grid Pad
- How to remove the handles from a Grid Pad Go device
- How to find your device serial number
- Recommended power settings for your Grid Pad
- Grid 3 failing to load on start up
- How to create cells to play a song or video from your music / video library
- Connecting an external microphone to Power Pad
- Windows 10 Update Assistant failing to update software
- TalkTalk blocking Teamviewer
- Screen rotation re-enabled after Windows update
- Using a smart phone with Grid
- How to add a video to your grid set
- Checking the Bluetooth speaker connection on Touch Pad
- Creating a word list in Grid
- Cleaning of devices
- How to get set up for a Virtual Visit
- How to make Super Core Communication Book pages
- What is AAC?
- Information to help us deliver support
- Grid Voices
- How to add the new Teen and Adult vocabulary to an existing Super Core grid set
- Updating Look to Learn and Look to Read
- Converting video files in Look to Learn on Windows 7
- Declarations of conformity
Types of USB switch connector
There are a number of USB switch connectors available from different manufacturers, and not all work in the same way. This article should help you to identify the switch connector you need.
Does it matter how it works?
When you plug a USB device into Windows the USB device tells Windows what it is – keyboard, digital camera, joystick or whatever. Windows can then find the driver and install the device.
A switch is not a recognised Windows device. Instead, switch controlled software uses a keyboard, mouse or joystick (game controller with fire buttons) as switches. The switch adaptor must act like one of these devices when the switch is pressed.
This is important, because you must be sure that the software you are using supports the device the switch connector is emulating (keyboard, mouse or joystick). If it does not then check to see if the switch connector comes with software to make it compatible. The safest choice is to get a USB (Joystick) based adaptor, as these come with software that imitates the mouse and keyboard types.
| Keyboard switches | Joystick switches |
| Pros: Supported by a wide range of games software. | Pros: Can be used to play games that are not designed for disability. Supported by major switch software (eg Sensory Software The Grid 2 and Switch Friendly Games, Clicker by Crick and Writing With Symbols by Widgit) |
| Cons: May type into any Windows program, which might cause problems. | Cons: Not all disability software supports joystick input (but provided software will help). |
