IR Keyboard & Mouse
by Pretorian
Adam
Last Update 2 days ago
Overview
IR Keyboard & Mouse is an add-on for AAC devices that output infra-red. It allows a learner to type, move the mouse, and click on a separate computer without needing direct physical access.
For example, if an AAC device (e.g. Smartbox Gridpad, or Tobii I-Series) user needs to use a computer in an office or school that isn’t part of their usual setup, they can just plug the IR Keyboard & Mouse into that computer. Then they can control it wirelessly using their AAC device.
It works together with downloadable Gridsets/Pagesets from Pretorian, designed for Grid 3 or Communicator 5.
Who's it for?
This product is suitable for:
- Learners who already use AAC devices with IR output
- Classroom users who need temporary (ad hoc) access to different computers
- Situations with multiple AAC users in the same room (four User channels prevent interference)
- Anyone who needs a wireless, eye-gaze-friendly way to type or control the cursor from their AAC device
Compatibility & connections
This product requires an AAC device that can send IR signals and the matching Gridset/Pageset from Pretorian:
- IR Keyboard & Mouse for Grid 3 on Gridpad
- IR Keyboard & Mouse for Grid 3 on I-Series
- IR Keyboard & Mouse Communicator 5 on Tobii I-Series
IR Keyboard & Mouse works with:
- Any USB-compatible computer
- Windows PCs, Macs and Chromebooks
- iPads and iPhones (via adapter cable – note that some functions are not supported by iOS)
- Some Android devices (via adapter cable – depends on their system drivers)
Before you start
- Check your AAC device has IR output.
- Download the correct Gridset/Pageset for your device (see links above).
- Ensure you know your User number, especially if multiple learners are using IR devices nearby.
- Make sure the IR window on the AAC device can “see” the IR receiver window on the IR Keyboard & Mouse.
Setting up (step-by-step)
1. Plug in the IR Keyboard & Mouse
- Connect it to any USB port on the target computer.
- The computer will automatically use its own built-in drivers.
- The first connection may take a few seconds.
2. Install the matching Gridset/Pageset on the AAC device
- Add the relevant Gridset/Pageset for your device and AAC software (Grid 3 or Communicator 5).
- Open it, and you should see a layout similar to a standard keyboard.
3. Match the User number (critical step)
IR Keyboard & Mouse supports four User numbers to avoid interference.
To check/set the User number on the hardware:
- Press the User Select button.
- The Data Received LED flashes 1–4 times:
1 flash = User 1
2 flashes = User 2
3 flashes = User 3
4 flashes = User 4
- The device remembers this setting even after powering down.
Then set the same User number inside the Gridset/Pageset.
4. Test the connection
- Open a text window (e.g., Notepad on Windows).
- Select a key from the AAC keyboard page.
- The letter should appear on the computer.
If not, re-check the User number and IR alignment.
Using the product
Using the keyboard
- Tap or eye-gaze any letter or number to type.
- Shift keys temporarily switch the keyboard to show shifted characters.
- Caps Lock toggles capital letters.
- Function key shows F1–F12, Insert, Delete Forward, Home, End, Page Up/Down, Print Screen, Scroll Lock and Pause.
- Ctrl and Alt are sticky:
Select them once
Then select another key to send both together (e.g., Ctrl + C).
Select again to clear. - Auto-Repeat:
Select the Auto-Repeat button, then select a key to repeat it.
The Drag/Key Repeat LED flashes while active.
Select the Stop button to return to normal typing.
Using the mouse
The mouse page gives 8-direction movement buttons.
- Select a direction to move the mouse for a short, preset time.
- Select the centre Stop button to stop early or select again for more movement.
- Three cursor speeds are available.
- Nudge moves by tiny amounts for fine positioning.
- Cursor Centre jumps the pointer to the middle of the screen.
- Left click, Right click, and Double click buttons are available at any time.
- Drag Lock holds the left click until switched off; the Drag/Key Repeat LED lights when active.
Adjustments & options
- Cursor speed: Three speeds selectable from the mouse page.
- Sticky Ctrl/Alt: Simplifies sending shortcut combinations.
- Auto-Repeat: Helps when the learner needs held-down key behaviour.
- User number selection: Essential in multi-AAC environments to avoid interference.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Possible cause | What to try |
| No text appears on target computer | User numbers do not match | Re-set User number on hardware and Gridset/Pageset; watch LED flashes |
| No response at all | IR path blocked | Ensure AAC device’s IR window faces the receiver |
| Some keys work but not others | Wrong Gridset/Pageset installed | Check you’re using the correct downloaded set |
| Cursor moves unpredictably | Distance/angle incorrect | Re-align AAC device so IR windows face each other |
| Sticky keys not clearing | Ctrl/Alt still latched | Select the modifier again to clear |
| Auto-Repeat won’t stop | Stop button not pressed | Select the Stop key (LED should go off) |
| Cursor hard to position | Speed too high | Choose a slower cursor speed |
| Drag Lock not working | Drag not engaged | Select the Drag button (LED should illuminate) |
| Multiple AAC users interfering | Same User number being used | Assign separate User numbers to each learner |
Positioning notes
- Keep the IR receiver window on the IR Keyboard & Mouse pointing towards the back of the AAC device, where the IR transmitters are located.
- Avoid bright reflections or obstructions between AAC and device.
- Use non-slip mats or stable mounting solutions so angle and visibility remain consistent.
- In shared classrooms, label User numbers clearly to reduce confusion.
Warranty
