LITTLEmack

Article contents

1. Overview
2. Who's it for?
3. Setup and use
4. Getting started video
5. Advanced features video
6. Battery advice
7. Using a LITTLEmack as a switch
8. Controlling toys or appliances
9. Mounting options
10. Warranty

1. Overview

The smaller of Ablenet's single message communicators, incorporating all the features of the BIGmack, but with a smaller footprint and activation area (65mm).

It is designed for people who cannot, or cannot yet, use more complex communication devices.

You record a short spoken message, such as:

• “Hello”
• “I want a break”
• “Again!”
• “My turn”

Pressing the switch plays the message out loud.

2. Who's it for?

LITTLEmack may be helpful for:

• Disabled learners starting out with voice output
• Children learning cause and effect
• Switch users who need one clear message
• Classroom or therapy activities with repeated phrases

3. Setup and use

1. Insert the battery

1. Turn LITTLEmack upside down
2. Use the D‑ring to open the battery compartment
3. Insert a 9‑volt alkaline battery
4. Close the compartment securely

2. Turn it on

1. Turn the on/off dial to switch the device on
2. Set the volume to a medium level to start

Recording a message

LITTLEmack stores one message only.

• Press and hold the Record button
• Wait until the recording indicator light turns on
• Press and hold the coloured switch top
• After the beep, speak clearly into the microphone
• Release the switch top when finished
• Press the Record button again to exit recording mode
• Adjust the volume if needed

Tip: Speak clearly and fairly loudly – this affects playback volume

Using the product

Playing the message

• Press the large switch top
• The recorded message will play

Using picture overlays

1. Place a photo, symbol, or word on the switch top
2. Snap the clear cap over the top to hold it in place

This helps make the message meaning clear.

4. Getting started video

5. Advanced features video

6. 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).

7. Using a LITTLEmack as a switch

The LITTLEmack is primarily designed as a communication aid, but it can also function as a switch in specific situations. Before using it this way, it's important to understand how it works and what its limitations are.

To set it up for switch use, connect the included 3.5mm jack cable to the TOY/APP socket on the back of the LITTLEmack, then plug the other end into the switch-adapted toy or appliance you want to control.

When the LITTLEmack is pressed, it sends a signal through the TOY/APP socket for the duration of the recorded message. For example, a switch-adapted light or fan will stay on only while the message plays, then turn off.

This setup works well for devices that require the switch to be held down to stay on. However, for toys that require a press-release-press sequence to function, the LITTLEmack is less effective (unless you record a very short recorded message).

Another important consideration is battery life. If the battery voltage drops below a certain point, the LITTLEmack will stop working and won't be able to activate connected devices.

For predictable and reliable operation (especially with switch-adapted software that can require precise timing) we recommend using a standard switch like the Jelly Bean, Buddy Button, or Smoothie Switch.

8. Controlling toys or appliances

As mentioned above, LITTLEmack can activate a switch‑adapted toy or appliance.

Important:

• The toy only works while the message is playing
• A message must be recorded

To set this up:

1. Plug the toy or appliance into the toy/appliance output
2. While recording a message, press the Record button once
3. The toy is now linked to that message

When the message plays, the toy or appliance activates for the same length of time.

9. Mounting the LITTLEmack

The LITTLEmack requires the REHAdapt Rectangular Mounting Plate and is compatible with the REHAdapt Mounting Arms.

10. Warranty

This product is supplied with a 2 year manufacturer's warranty. If you experiene any issues, please email [email protected].

You can find detailed support information for the BIGmack on the manufacturer's website, here:

https://support.ablenetinc.com/category/assistive-technology/speech-devices/littlemack-speech-device/

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:
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