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iPad Products

Last Update 19 days ago

APPlicator APPlicator Max Blue2 FT J-Pad Joystick SimplyWorks Overview

J-Pad Joystick

by Pretorian

Adam

Last Update 20 days ago

Article contents

  1. Overview
  2. Who's it for?
  3. Key features
  4. Introduction to the J-Pad video
  5. Charging J-Pad
  6. Pairing J-Pad
  7. Using J-Pad
  8. On-screen keyboard
  9. J-Pad modes
  10. Built-in auto scanning
  11. Using external switches
  12. Troubleshooting
  13. Compatibilty
  14. Warranty

    1. Overview

    The J‑Pad is an intuitive Bluetooth joystick offering comprehensive switch access to iPad features - enabling interaction with apps, music, media, iBooks, photography, on-screen keyboards, and more using line-by-line scanning.

    It is designed solely for use with iPad and iOS devices.


    It connects wirelessly to an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch and lets you:

    • Move around the screen using a joystick
    • Select and close items using touch buttons or external switches
    • Use apps, media, the on-screen keyboard, and accessibility features

    J-Pad appears to the iPad as a keyboard, which is why it can work with many apps and accessibility tools.

      2. Who's it for?

      J-Pad may be helpful if you:
      • Find touchscreens hard to use
      • Use switch access or joystick access
      • Need scanning access to apps and the on-screen keyboard
      • Use VoiceOver or Switch Control
      It is commonly used by:
      • Disabled learners
      • Teachers and teaching assistants
      • Therapists and assistive technology professionals

      3. Key features

      • Bluetooth wireless connection ensures convenient plug-and-play setup without additional software.
      • Dual touch-sensitive buttons (green & red) facilitate app launch and closure functions; alternatively, external switches can be connected via two 3.5 mm jacks - automatically disabling the touch sensors when plugged in.
      • Supports line-by-line joystick scanning, offering efficient navigation across the iOS interface, with full support for iBooks page turning.
      • Houses an integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery, delivering up to 30 hours of use per charge. Charges via standard USB port.
      • Support for Siri

      4. Introduction to the J-Pad video

      5. Charging J-Pad

      1. Plug the USB cable into the charging socket on J-Pad.
      2. Plug the other end into a powered USB socket or iPad charger.
      3. The charging LED lights green while charging.
      4. When charging is complete, the LED turns off.
      Battery notes:
      • Around 30 hours of use from a full charge
      • When the battery is low, the charging LED flashes red
      • You can continue using J-Pad while it is charging

      6. Pairing J-Pad

      1. Wake J-Pad by moving the joystick in any direction.
        • The status LED flashes rapidly to show it is ready to pair.
      2. On the iPad, go to Settings → Bluetooth.
      3. Turn Bluetooth on.
      4. Wait for J-Pad to appear in the list (for example: Pretorian‑V56.1‑XXXX).
      5. Tap the name to pair.
      6. After around 20 seconds, the iPad will show that it is connected.
      Once paired, J-Pad reconnects automatically when it wakes up and Bluetooth is on.

      7. Using J-Pad

      Default controls:

        • Joystick: moves the focus or scan highlight
        • Green button: select item
        • Red button: close item (similar to the Home button)
        • Feature button: used for settings and showing the on-screen keyboard

        8. On-screen keyboard

        Because J-Pad appears as a keyboard, iPad hides the on-screen keyboard by default.
        To show or hide the on-screen keyboard:
        • Briefly press the Feature button while a text box is selected.
        The keyboard only appears when a text field is active.

        9. J-Pad modes

        J-Pad has five modes. Each mode changes how the joystick and buttons behave. To check or change the mode:
        1. Press and hold the Feature button for about 2 seconds.
        2. Listen for the warbling beep (Programming Mode).
        3. Move the joystick down and listen to the number of beeps.
        4. Move the joystick down again to change the mode.
        5. Press the Feature button briefly to save.

        Modes 1-4: VoiceOver modes

        VoiceOver must be turned on in iPad settings.


        Mode 1 - General navigation

        • Joystick up/down: move by blocks (or page turn in iBooks)
        • Joystick left/right: move item by item
        • Green button: select
        • Red button: close app
        Good all‑round mode if the user can use buttons or switches.

        Mode 2 - Stick only (no buttons required)
        • Joystick up: select
        • Joystick down: close
        • Joystick left/right: move between items
        Useful if the user cannot reliably press buttons or switches.

        Mode 3 - Line scanning (portrait)

        • Joystick up/down: scan a whole row at a time (portrait)
        • Left/right: item by item
        Efficient for home screens, web pages, and keyboards.

        Mode 4 - Line scanning (landscape)

        • Same as Mode 3, but designed for landscape orientation.

        Mode 5 - Switch Control

        Mode 5 is used with Switch Control instead of VoiceOver.

        Switch Control must be enabled in:
        Settings → Accessibility → Switch Control
        J-Pad acts as the switch device for scanning rows and items.

        10. Built-in auto scanning

        J-Pad includes its own auto‑scanning feature.
        You can set:
        • Off
        • Low speed
        • Medium speed
        • High speed
        • Escalating speed
        Auto scanning is useful if the user cannot hold the joystick in one direction.
        Note: iPad’s own auto scanning should be turned off when using J-Pad.

        11. Using external switches

        You can plug up to two external switches into J-Pad.
        Important:
        • Plugging a switch into a socket disables the matching touch button.
        • This helps if the user rests on the buttons unintentionally.
        Sockets work independently, so you can disable one button or both.


        12. Troubleshooting

        SymptomPossible causeRecommended action
        J‑Pad not discoverable via BluetoothEnsure it’s charged and awake (move joystick). If previously paired, “forget” it in Bluetooth settings and reconnect.
        Physical buttons not respondingUnit asleep or external switches plugged inDetach external switches if plugged in, or ensure correct mode selection via programming.
        On-screen keyboard doesn’t open for textTap the Feature button to toggle the on-screen keyboard display.
        Siri activates accidentallyDisable extended press
        Scanning too fast or slowAuto scan settingAdjust auto scan speed
         

        13. Compatibilty

        J-Pad works with:
        • iPad (all versions)
        • iPhone 3GS and later
        • iPod touch (3rd generation and later)
        It does not work with:
        • Android tablets
        • Apple Macs
        • Windows PCs

        14. Downloadable resources


        15. Warranty

        The J-Pad has a 2 year warranty. If you experience any issues, please email [email protected].


         

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