iSwitch

Contents

1. Overview
2. iSwitch vs iSwitch50
3. Who is it for?
4. What's in the box?​
5. Product demonstration
6. Before you start
7. Setting up iSwitch (step-by-step)
8. Available functions
9. Examples of use
10. Adjustments & options
11. Compatibility & connections
12. Troubleshooting
13. Mounting the iSwitch
14. Care, maintenance & cleaning
15. Warranty

1. Overview

iSwitch is a Bluetooth switch interface designed for iPad, iPhone, iPod, computers and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. It gives you simple, flexible access to iOS Switch Control, switch-adapted apps, music and media, and mouse or keyboard functions.

You can use the built-in switch or plug in up to two extra wired switches.

It features:

• an integral 75 mm switch
• two 3.5mm switch sockets
• a clear display showing which function is assigned
• a simple Channel button (to choose which switch/socket you're editing)
• a Mode button (to select the action you want that switch to perform)

It is designed to be easy to set up, but still flexible enough for a wide range of access needs.

2. iSwitch vs. iSwitch50

There are three differences between the iSwitch and the iSwitch50

1. iSwitch has a larger footprint and a tapered design
2. iSwitch has a USB-mini charging port (iSwitch50 uses USB-C)
3. iSwitch includes 2 ports for external switches (iSwitch50 does not support additional external switches)

3. Who is it for?

• learners who use switch access with iPad or other devices
• classrooms using iOS Switch Control
• people needing music / media control through switches
• those who use alternative access such as mouse click, arrow keys, or keyboard shortcuts
• therapists, SEN teachers and families supporting switch users

4. What's in the box?

• iSwitch unit
• USB charging cable
• Printed instructions

5. Product demonstration

• Make sure the iSwitch battery is charged.
• Check your iPad / device has Bluetooth turned on.
• If using extra wired switches, plug them in gently to the two side sockets.
• Decide which switch actions you want to use (for example: Select, Move to Next Item, Play/Pause).

7. Setting up iSwitch (step-by-step)

Charge the iSwitch

1. ​Plug the USB cable into the iSwitch, and into a computer USB port.
2. The charging LED lights green during charging.
3. When fully charged, the LED turns off.
   (iSwitch can be used while charging.)
   

Wake the iSwitch

Press either Channel or Mode once to wake the device.

If awake, the rotating display pattern should appear.

Pair your device

1. On your iPad: Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Turn Bluetooth ON.
3. Wait a few seconds for a device name like: 
   Pretorian-V145.0-ABC1
4. Tap the name to connect.
5. Pairing usually completes within ~20 seconds.
6. Your iSwitch is now ready to use.

Assigning functions to switches

You can assign many different functions to each switch.

iSwitch has three switch inputs:

• the integral switch
• Socket 1
• Socket 2

Default settings (out of the box)

• Integral switch = Space
• Socket 1 = Enter
• Socket 2 = Home

Each switch can send keyboard keys, iOS Switch Control commands, media controls, or mouse clicks.

To change the built-in switch:

1. Press Channel once → display shows current function.
2. Press Mode repeatedly to cycle through available functions
3. Wait a few seconds → the display turns off and the setting is saved.

To change Socket 1 or 2:

1. Press Channel repeatedly until the LED next to the socket lights.
2. Press Mode to choose a new function.
3. Wait for display to turn off and save.
   
   

You can duplicate functions if needed (useful for turn-taking or co-operative play).

8. Available functions

9. Examples of use

• Single-switch access: Program the built-in switch to Enter for simple cause-and-effect apps.
• Two-switch scanning: Use Next Item and Select actions.
• Music control: Assign Play/Pause, Skip Forward, or Volume Up/Down to any switch.
• Timed play rewards: Choose 10-second or 30-second timed play for motivating activities.
  (Requires the iPad to be paused before starting timed play.)

10. Adjustments and options

On-screen keyboard access

Because the iPad hides its keyboard when a Bluetooth keyboard is connected, iSwitch includes a way to show it:

Press Mode while the display is off → the on-screen keyboard appears.

Press and hold Mode again → keyboard hides.

You can also assign this to a switch using mode D.

Timed play (10 or 30 seconds)

Switches set to Timed Play will start a fixed period of playback.

Important points:

• iPad must be paused first
• pressing Play/Pause during timed play stops it early
• Skip functions don’t affect duration

iOS Switch Control support

iSwitch works well with Auto Scan or manual scanning.

Most keyboard functions can be used to scan/select

• Do not use functions starting with “~” (~1 or ~3) for Switch Control because iPad only recognises the first character
• Media controls cannot be used for Switch Control navigation
  
  

Special functions included for iOS:

• T = Home
• U = Enter / long-press Home (very helpful for Auto Scanning users)

11. Compatibility & connections

• Works with all Bluetooth-enabled devices
• PCs without Bluetooth need a USB Bluetooth dongle
• Keyboard Up/Down are Apple-only
• Mouse clicks mainly for PC/Mac/Chromebook unless AssistiveTouch is enabled
• Charges via USB only (connection is for charging, not data transfer)

12. Troubleshooting

13. Mounting the iSwitch

The iSwitch requires the REHAdapt iSwitch Mounting Plate, which is compatible with REHAdapt Mounting Arms.

14. Care, maintenance & cleaning

• No user-serviceable parts
• Contains a lithium-ion battery
• If repair is needed, return to Pretorian or an authorised distributor
• Wipe gently with a dry cloth
• Never dispose of battery in fire
• iSwitch is not waterproof - avoid moisture and spills

15. Warranty

The iSwitch has a two year wrranty. 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), please let us know:
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