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Switch Access

Last Update 6 days ago

Access Switch AirSwitch APPlicator APPlicator Max Big Beamer Transmitter and Receiver

APPlicator

by Pretorian

Adam

Last Update 19 days ago

Article Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Who's it for?
  3. What's in the box?​
  4. Before you start
  5. Setting up APPlicator (step by step)
  6. Using APPlicator
  7. Full list of supported switch functions
  8. Typical and atypical use cases
  9. QuickMedia™ mode
  10. On‑screen keyboard control
  11. Timed Play (reward use)
  12. Using APPlicator with iOS Switch Control
  13. Mouse functions
  14. Single‑Shot mode
  15. Automatic sleep and power off
  16. Button Lock
  17. Compatibility and connections
  18. Troubleshooting
  19. Downloadable resources
  20. Warranty


1. Overview

The APPlicator is a Bluetooth switch interface that allows up to four wired switches to be connected to your iPad, iPhone, Android tablet, or any other Bluetooth enabled tablet/computer. It provides comprehensive switch access to iOS Switch Control, switch-accessible apps, your music and your tablet/phone camera.

Each connected switch can send on of 27 available commands, such as:

  • Keyboard keys (Space, Enter, arrows, numbers)
  • Media controls (Play/Pause, Volume, Skip)
  • iOS Switch Control actions
  • Mouse clicks (left, right, double click)

APPlicator pairs directly over Bluetooth and does not need driver software.



2. Who's it for?

APPlicator is suitable for:
  • Learners who use one or more switches
  • Switch Control users on iPad or iPhone
  • People who need simple access to media or apps
  • Eye gaze users who need a physical click switch
  • Schools, therapy services, and home users
It works well for both simple cause‑and‑effect use and more advanced access methods.



3. What's in the box?

  • APPlicator unit
  • USB charging cable (USB‑A to mini‑USB)
  • Manufacturer instructions



    4. Before you start

    Before setting up APPlicator:
    • Make sure the battery is charged
    • Have your switches ready (3.5 mm jack)
    • Check Bluetooth is turned on in your iPad or device settings
    • Decide how many switches you plan to use
    Tip: It’s often easiest to start with one or two switches and add more later.



    5. Setting up APPlicator (step by step)

    1. Charge the device
    • Plug the USB cable into APPlicator and a powered USB port
    • The charging LED lights while charging
    • When the light goes out, charging is complete
    You can use APPlicator while it is charging.

    2. Wake APPlicator
    • Press any button on the unit
    • The display shows a rotating pattern while it searches for a device

    3. Pair with iPad or iPhone
    1. On the iPad, go to Settings → Bluetooth
    2. Turn Bluetooth on
    3. Wait for APPlicator to appear in the list (for example: Pretorian‑V130.1‑XXXX)
    4. Tap the name to connect
    5. After around 20 seconds, the device shows as Connected
    No PIN code is required.
    Once paired, APPlicator will reconnect automatically when it wakes up.

    4. Plug in switches
    • Plug up to four wired switches into the numbered sockets on the top edge
    • Any standard 3.5 mm switch can be used (pads, buttons, sip‑and‑puff, etc.)


    6. Using APPlicator
    Default switch actions

    Out of the box, the sockets are set to:

    • Socket 1: Space
    • Socket 2: Enter
    • Socket 3: ~1
    • Socket 4: ~3
    These defaults work with many switch‑adapted apps.

    Changing what a switch does

    You can set each switch to do something different.

    1. Press CHAN until the LED for the socket lights
    2. The current setting shows on the display
    3. Press MODE to scroll through available functions
    4. Stop when the function you want is shown
    5. After a few seconds, the display turns off and the setting is saved
    Repeat for other switches if needed.

    Available switch functions (summary)

    Depending on the setting chosen, a switch can act as:

    • Keyboard keys (letters, numbers, Space, Enter, arrows)
    • Media controls (Play/Pause, Skip, Volume, Mute)
    • Timed media play (10 or 30 seconds)
    • Switch Control actions (Home, Enter/Home)
    • Mouse clicks (left, right, double click)
    Use keyboard‑type settings when working with apps or Switch Control.



    7. Full list of supported switch functions

     

    8. Typical and atypical use cases
    Typical uses
    • Two‑switch scanning (Space + Enter)
    • Single‑switch cause‑and‑effect apps
    • Simple music or video control
    • iPad Switch Control with auto scanning
    Atypical / creative uses
    • Turn‑taking activities using duplicate switch settings
    • Reward‑based learning using timed media play
    • Eye gaze plus switch clicking (mouse left click)
    • Cooperative activities with shared switches



      9. QuickMedia™ mode

      QuickMedia™ gives instant access to media controls without re‑programming.
      To use:
      • Press and hold the QuickMedia button
      • The QuickMedia LED lights
      • The switches temporarily become:
        • 1: Play/Pause
        • 2: Skip Forward
        • 3: Skip Back
        • 4: Timed Play (10 seconds)
      Press and hold the button again to return to normal use.




      10. On‑screen keyboard control

      Because APPlicator acts like a keyboard, iPad hides the on‑screen keyboard.
      To show or hide it manually:
      • Briefly press the QuickMedia button
      The keyboard only appears when a text box is selected.
      You can also assign a switch to this function if needed.



      11. Timed Play (reward use)

      Timed Play allows music or video to play for a fixed time.
      Important points:
      • Make sure media is paused before starting timed play
      • If media is already playing, timed play will pause instead
      • Pressing Play/Pause again stops the timed play early
      • Skip Forward / Back does not change the timed duration
      This is useful for rewards after completing a task.



      12. Using APPlicator with iOS Switch Control

      APPlicator can be used as the Bluetooth switch device for iOS Switch Control.
      General guidance:
      • Decide how many switches the learner can manage
      • Use keyboard‑type settings (not media functions)
      • Avoid settings that start with ~ for Switch Control scanning
      Adding switches in iOS
      1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Switch Control → Switches
      2. Choose Add New Switch → External
      3. Press the switch connected to APPlicator
      4. Assign the action shown on screen
      Repeat for each switch, then turn Switch Control on.
      Settings Home and Enter/Home can simplify access for single‑switch users.


       

      13. Mouse functions

      APPlicator supports:
      • Mouse left click
      • Mouse right click
      • Mouse double click
      These are especially useful for:
      • Eye gaze users who need a physical click
      • Computers such as Windows, Mac, or Chromebook
      Tip: Single‑Shot mode can help users who find it hard to release a switch quickly.



      14. Single‑Shot mode

      Single‑Shot mode sends only one action per press, even if the switch is held.
      This helps prevent repeated presses.
      To set Single‑Shot:
      1. Press and hold CHAN
      2. Channel LEDs light one at a time
      3. Display shows one bar (single‑shot) or three bars (repeating)
      4. Press MODE to change
      5. Press CHAN briefly to move to the next socket
      All sockets are repeating by default.


      15. Automatic sleep and power off

      • APPlicator sleeps after 30 minutes of inactivity
      • Press any switch or button to wake it
      • If unpaired for 5 minutes, it also sleeps
      Manual power offFor transport:
      • Press and hold MODE until all channel LEDs light
      • Release to power off
      Press any button to wake again.




      16. Button Lock

      Button Lock prevents accidental changes.
      • Hold MODE + CHAN to lock (display shows L)
      • Hold again to unlock (display shows U)
      You can still view settings while locked.




      17. Compatibility and connections

      APPlicator works with:
      • iPad (all models)
      • iPhone (3GS onwards)
      • Bluetooth computers (Windows, Mac, Chromebook)
      • Some Android and other tablets (with limited features)
      Apple‑specific features may not work on non‑Apple devices.



      18. Troubleshooting

      SymptomPossible causeWhat to try
      Not visible in BluetoothBattery flat or asleepCharge and press a button
      Won’t connect to a new iPadStill paired to another deviceUse “Forget this device”
      Timed play pauses musicMedia already playingPause first, then try again
      Switches don’t workIn QuickMedia modeExit QuickMedia
      Nothing happens when pressing switchesUnit powered offPress a button to wake
      Repeated pressesSwitch held too longEnable Single‑Shot mode
      Settings change accidentallyButtons pressedEnable Button Lock
      Battery warning LEDLow batteryCharge soon
       


      19. Downloadable resources


        20. Warranty

        • This device has a 2 year manufacturer's warranty. If you experience any issues, please email [email protected]

         
         
        If any part of this article was unclear, or you think there is something missing (e.g. extra steps, examples or images), let us know and we'll update the article:
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