Grid 3

Overview

Grid 3 includes ready-made vocabularies like Alpha Core, Fast Talker, and Text Talker, catering to users of all ages and abilities. Fully customisable and easy to use, it can be personalised with photos, voices, and layouts to match individual needs, making Grid 3 one of the most versatile communication tools available today.

Grid 3 runs on Windows 10 and later. It can be installed on Smartbox devices (such as Grid Pad) or any compatible Windows PC or tablet.

Installation Steps:

1. Download Grid 3 from the Smartbox website: Download Grid 3 
2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Once installed, open Grid 3 and sign in with your Smartbox account (or press Get Started to create a new user).
4. If you're creating a new user, you will be prompted to select your default content and configure privacy settings.
5. Once the new user is created, a yellow box will appear at the top of the Users window to confirm the program is currently running an evaluation. Select this box and you will be prompted to enter your licence key.
6. With your licence key entered, click Activate to start the using Grid 3.

Access Methods

Grid 3 supports multiple access methods so users can operate it in the way that best suits them. The default access method is Touch (if your device has a toucscreen) and Pointer.

Touch Access

Simply touch the cell you want to select. Touch settings such as “Touch enter/exit” can be adjusted under: Settings → Access → Touch.

Interact with Grid directly using the touch screen of your communication aid. You may also use a keyguard to help with accuracy. Use the settings to adjust how Grid responds to your touch. For more information on touch access, select the link here: Touch Settings in Grid 3

Eye Gaze

Grid supports a number of popular eye tracking devices. 

1. Connect and calibrate your eye tracker.
2. Open Settings → Access → Eye Gaze.
3. Configure how the eye gaze camera works with Grid. 

For more information on eye gaze settings in Grid 3, see the following article: Eye Gaze Settings in Grid 3

Tip: Good lighting and consistent positioning make a big difference to eye gaze accuracy.

Important: Please be aware that eyetuitive is not fully compatible with Grid 3 at this time. It is recognised as a generic mouse (rather than a supported eye tracker), so features such as snap-to-item aren't available. Compatibility is currently being worked on.

Switch Access

Switches can be connected via USB or Bluetooth. Grid 3 allows scanning access, where options are highlighted in sequence until the user activates their switch. Adjust scanning speed, pattern, and auditory feedback under: 

Settings → Access → Switches.

Please refer to the following guide on Smartbox Assistive's website before using switches with Grid 3: Connecting Switches in Grid 3

Pointer Access

Pointer access covers a wide range of devices, from track balls to head-trackers, all of which control a mouse pointer on the screen. Use Grid’s settings to adjust how you interact and click on the screen. For more information on mouse and head pointer access, select the link here: Mouse and Pointer Settings in Grid 3

Voice Activation

Voice activation allows you to control Grid 3 using spoken commands to activate cells. It does not function as dictation, but will give you access to any cells in your grid set. For more information on voice activation, select the link here: Getting started with Voice Activation in Grid 3

Downloadable resources

Installers, manuals and other resources can be downloaded from teh Smartbox website here.

Activation key resets

If you need to transfer your Grid3 licence to a new computer, you can request a licence reset from Smartbox by filling in the form on their website: Licence Reset Form

Detailed support

Please refer to the Smartbox Hub for comprehensive Grid 3 Support (including downloadable resources, troubleshooting and FAQ's).