BIG Step-by-Step

Overview

The BIG Step-by-Step communicator from Ablenet allows users to record and play back a series of messages in order. It has the same large activation area as the BIGmack, but with added functionality for sequencing communication and activities.

Each press of the switch plays the next recorded message in sequence.

You can:

• Record multiple messages (up to 4 minutes total)
• Organise messages across three Levels
• Use the built-in switch top or an external switch
• Trigger a switch-adapted toy or appliance while a message plays

Who's it for?

BIG Step-by-Step is designed for:

• Learners beginning to use voice-output communication
• Children and adults who cannot yet use more complex AAC systems
• Classroom, therapy, and home environments
• Users who benefit from a large, low-force switch

Setting up (step by step)

1. Turn the device on

• Use the On/Off and volume dial on the back

2. Choose a Level

• Use the Levels switch on the side
• There are three Levels
• Each Level holds its own sequence of messages

3. Record your messages

1. Press and hold the Record button until the recording light turns on
2. Press and hold the switch top
3. After the beep, speak clearly into the microphone
4. Release the switch top when finished
5. Repeat for additional messages
6. Press the Record button again to exit recording mode

4. Playing messages

• Each press of the switch plays the next message in order
• After the last message, playback returns to the first message

Example:

• Message 1: “Good morning”
• Message 2: “I need help”
• Message 3: “Thank you”

Each press moves through the list.

5. Using Levels in practice

Levels let you store different sets of messages.

Examples:

• Level 1: Classroom participation
• Level 2: Playtime or choice making
• Level 3: Therapy activities

Move the Levels switch to change which set is active.

Getting started video

Advanced features video

Toy / appliance output

• Connect a switch-adapted toy or appliance to the Toy/Appliance jack
• While recording a message, press the Record button once to assign the toy to that message

Important:

• The toy or appliance only activates while the message plays
• It will not operate on its own

Battery Advice

Ablenet recommend using disposable (non-rechargeable) alkaline batteries in their communication aids.

A new PP3 battery provides approximately 9 volts, which decreases over time. When the output drops to 6.8v the device will start to misbehave.

The symptoms of a failing battery include:

• Record light flashing yellow when the top switch is pressed (with no sound output)
• Messages cutting out part way through playback

The device will continue to behave in this way until the voltage drops below 6v (at which point it will shut down completely).

Mounting options for the BIG Step-by-Step

We supply two mounting plates for the BIG Step-by-Step:

Manfrotto Large Triangular Mounting Plate (7392)

REHAdapt Large Triangular Mounting Plate (6410)

The following image shows which arms are compatible with each plate:

Warranty

This product is supplied with a 2 year manufacturer's warranty.

You can find detailed support information for the BIG Step-by-Step on the manufacturer's website, here:

https://support.ablenetinc.com/category/assistive-technology/speech-devices/big-step-by-step/

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