Okay, so now I am not getting it to replicate the same behavior. At this point, I can let the display timeout, come back to it and it is pretty consistently waking up with multiple switch presses; the headmouse boots and then it seems to be functional. I did both reboot and charge the device during a long break from using it. So perhaps it was just low on battery?  I did have one episode of needing to unplug the headmouse, but that was only one out of about 10 trials. I will be interested to hear if anyone tries it with a client, how it works over the course of the day.

 

I think I will still be concerned about the screen staying on all day with continuous input from the headmouse, but this may be able to be alleviated with using backup batteries and such?

 

As has been previously pointed out, certainly an option for an ALS client to consider.

 

Ed Hitchcock OT/L

Technology Center

Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

 

 

 

 

When I get a chance to, I will play around with it some more. I am not sure if it was a difficulty with using the headmouse. One thing I noted was that after the screen did go to sleep, the power to the headmouse would go out. I could then wake the screen up by multiple hits to the switch that I was using to click with. But then the headmouse would have to go through its usual boot process which seems to take a little bit longer than a standard mouse. I am going to try that a little bit more with a standard mouse, which seems to have less of a boot time.

 

Because I was experimenting, I was also using an app called "screen off and lock" so I did not have to wait through the display timeout. But actually do not think that had an influence as it seemed to go to the same behavior after the display timed out by itself.

 

When I have the time, I will also try the same process with my galaxy S3 phone. That software should be a little bit closer to what is available on the galaxy tab.

 

Of course in order to get it to turn off at all with the headmouse attached I needed to cover the headmouse with my thumb to stop the mouse input. So this actually may not be an issue as long as the battery power is sufficient to the tablet display being on for extended periods of time.

 

Ed Hitchcock OT/L

Technology Center

Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

 

 

 

So I was rather excited about the following which I wrote after first trial with my Nexus seven tablet and a head mouse. Following that, I did a little bit more trial and basically discovered that it was a real hassle to get the tablet to wake up again after the screen falls asleep. Since it is a head mouse option, I actually can see the screen not falling asleep for extended periods of time given the consistent mouse input access. But of course this could get to be a battery drain very quickly.

 

When the screen does fall asleep, I had a lot of trouble with getting it to wake up using a standard USB mouse as well as the head mouse. Once I did get it to wake up, it did not always seem to reenable mouse clicking or even touchscreen. I did try a couple of alternatives such as using "No Lock" which is an app from the market that deactivates the lock screen.  That was better, but nothing worked super consistently.  I should add that I did not have these problems using a Bluetooth mouse that I tried previously.

 

Amy, just curious if you have a similar problem with the galaxy tab? Have you tried letting the screen go to sleep?

 

But for the tablet options.  I own a google nexus tablet (currently retails for $199).  Using a .87 cent cable that I got from amazon some time ago I was able to plug in our tracker pro and a standard USB mouse.

 

I was able to use for typing, although I do not have more extensive AAC apps on my tablet at this point, I see no reason why it would not work.

 

The Nexus tablet is here http://www.google.com/nexus/7/ and the cable I bought is here http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FUNYSA/ref=oh_details_o09_s00_i00 . 

 

A word to the wise on the cable, I have heard via tablet forums that not all of these are created equal, and this one was also shipped from Hong Kong.  It may be better to look for one over the counter; I would assume that this would work as well http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2261721 .  Obviously, especially if this is needed soon I would go for something closer.

 

Ed Hitchcock OT/L

Technology Center

Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

 

 

From: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com [mailto:xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com] On Behalf Of Margaret Cotts
Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 6:34 PM
To: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com
Subject: RE: Android for AAC

 

I’m looking into getting a Bluetooth keyboard/trackpad for my friend who has the Samsung Galaxy tablet…. I’ll let the group know how it goes…

 

Margaret

 

From: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com [mailto:xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com] On Behalf Of Amy Roman
Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 4:27 PM
To: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com
Subject: Android for AAC

 

Hi Alisa and List, LOL.  Sorry for my last two very brief emails.  I actually didn't notice I was writing on the listserv instead of just responding to Margaret.    Here is a little more information to explain how I'm  using the Android for AAC:   I  would recommend a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1. Walmart has them for $249.00 right now along with a $36.00  two year warranty that includes spills, drops, and basic electronic problems. Though I'm conflicted in recommending people buy from Walmart, I'm making an exception on this listserv because we dwell in the world of low and no-budgets.  GT2s can be purchased elswhere for more $$$ for people unable to rationalize a Walmart purchase. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=22098060&findingMethod=rr   To use a pointing device you will need a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2  USB adapter.  Here is one. http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-30-Pin-Adapter-Galaxy-10-1/dp/B0059UGY42/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1355267513&sr=8-5&keywords=samsung+galaxy+2+usb+adapter   I have had sucess with this set-up with every USB tracker I have tried so far including head trackers, touchpads, joysticks, and trackballs.  If a patient needs a switch for mouse clicking you would need an adapted mouse, trackball, etc because you will not have a port for a Swifty and you certainly don't have a switch port.  Does that make sense?    I'm still learning about mobile tablets and excited to hear about anything other have learned or recommend. Sincerely, Amy Roman, MS, CCC-SLP Augmentative Communication Specialist Forbes Norris ALS Research and Treatment Center 2324 Sacramento Street San Francisco, CA 94115 Cell (415)518-0592 Fax (415)600-3778 CONFIDENTIAL OR PRIVILEGED: This communication contains information intended only for the use of the individuals to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or exempt from other disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any disclosure, printing, copying, distribution or use of the contents is prohibited. If you have received this in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone or by returning it by reply email and then permanently deleting the communication from your system. Thank you. --- On Tue, 12/11/12, Alisa Brownlee <xxxxxx@alsa-national.org> wrote: From: Alisa Brownlee <xxxxxx@alsa-national.org> Subject: RE: AAC App for Android? To: "xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com" <xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com> Date: Tuesday, December 11, 2012, 2:57 PM Amy, Can you clarify to those people like me who don’t have a droid yet and don’t know much about them. (call me the dark ages assistive tech person)   So, I go to Best Buy and buy a Samsung tablet, download the communication app.  Is there an external part I need to make the droid hands free?  Or can I simply plug a switch into the USB port?   I know, I need hand holding here J  But exact info will help me assemble what I need and try it out.   Thanks,   Alisa   Alisa Brownlee, ATP Assistive Technology Specialist ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) Association, National Office and Greater Philadelphia Chapter 215-631-1877   Follow me on Twitter: @alsassistivetec   Follow my blog, dedicated to assistive technology issues, disability issues, and ALS: http://alsassistivetechnology.blogspot.com         From: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com [mailto:xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com] On Behalf Of Amy Roman Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 5:54 PM To: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com Subject: Re: AAC App for Android?   I am using ez speech and SVox.  Sincerely, Amy Roman, MS, CCC-SLP Augmentative Communication Specialist Forbes Norris ALS Research and Treatment Center 2324 Sacramento Street San Francisco, CA 94115 Cell (415)518-0592 Fax (415)600-3778 CONFIDENTIAL OR PRIVILEGED: This communication contains information intended only for the use of the individuals to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or exempt from other disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any disclosure, printing, copying, distribution or use of the contents is prohibited. If you have received this in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone or by returning it by reply email and then permanently deleting the communication from your system. Thank you. --- On Tue, 12/11/12, Margaret Cotts <xxxxxx@pacbell.net> wrote: From: Margaret Cotts <xxxxxx@pacbell.net> Subject: AAC App for Android? To: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com Date: Tuesday, December 11, 2012, 2:19 PM Hi- I was wondering, what AAC Apps for Android are you using for your clients with ALS/ literate adults?   (Amy, you had mentioned used the SVOX speech synthesizer, but are you using it in conjunction with some other AAC interface?)   Thanks for your help with this!   Margaret   -- Margaret Cotts   Assistive Technology Specialist Low Tech Solutions phone: (510) 681-3639  |  fax: (510) 842-1748 email: xxxxxx@lowtechsolutions.org lowtechsolutions.org  |  store.lowtechsolutions.org

 

Confidentiality Notice: This message and any attachments are only for the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential, privileged and/or protected health information.  If you are not the intended recipient of this message, please: 1) be advised that unauthorized review, use, copying, disclosure, or distribution is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful; 2) notify the sender of the delivery by reply e-mail or contact RIC's Privacy Officer at 312.238.0766 or xxxxxx@ric.org; and 3) delete and destroy all copies of the message and its attachments. Thank you.

Confidentiality Notice: This message and any attachments are only for the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential, privileged and/or protected health information.  If you are not the intended recipient of this message, please: 1) be advised that unauthorized review, use, copying, disclosure, or distribution is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful; 2) notify the sender of the delivery by reply e-mail or contact RIC's Privacy Officer at 312.238.0766 or xxxxxx@ric.org; and 3) delete and destroy all copies of the message and its attachments. Thank you.