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Environmental Controls

Last Update 16 days ago

EnvirON Hub IR Keyboard & Mouse it-Click-On Plus (ENERGISE) it-Switch KajoButton Wireless Soft Switch RF

Participation Box

by Qinera

Adam

Last Update 16 days ago

Article contents

  1. Overview
  2. Who's it for?
  3. What's in the box?
  4. Before you start
  5. Technical specifications
  6. Setting up
  7. Using the Participation Box
  8. Typical & atypical use cases
  9. Adjustments and options
  10. Compatibility and connections
  11. Warranty

1. Overview

The Participation Box allows you to control a mains-powered appliance using a standard 3.5mm wired switch. It sits between your wall socket and the electrical appliance.

You plug your appliance into the box.
You plug your switch into the box.
You choose how you want it to respond (direct, timed, or on/off).

The Participation Box can also activate an adapted device at the same time using its switch output..

It’s a simple way to create accessible cause-and-effect activities at home, in class, or in therapy sessions.

2. Who's it for?

The Participation Box may be helpful for:
  • Learners developing cause-and-effect skills
  • Switch users in education settings
  • Children or adults with physical disabilities
  • People with cerebral palsy
  • People with autism
  • Individuals with brain injury
  • Anyone who cannot easily operate standard on/off controls
It allows participation in activities like turning on lights, operating fans, playing music, or controlling kitchen appliances (where safe and appropriate supervision is provided).

3. What's in the box?

  • Participation Box (BJ-241 - UK version)
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Cable for switch output connection (referenced in manual)

4. Before you start

Please read these important points carefully:
  • This device works only with appliances that start immediately when power is supplied (i.e. no standby state).
  • The appliance must have a physical ON/OFF button that can remain in the ON position.
  • Always check the power ratings before connecting.
  • Ensure the appliance is in safe working order.
  • Use only within the stated voltage and load limits.
  • Mount securely and keep cables tidy to prevent trips or pulls.

5. Technical specifications

Power supply voltage: 230V ~ 50Hz
Maximum supply voltage: 250V ~


Maximum socket load:
  • Resistive loads: 2000W / 9A (cosφ=1)
  • Motor loads: 1000W / 5.5A (cosφ=0.8)
  • Halogen lamps with transformer: 300W / 1.7A (cosφ=0.76)
Switching output maximum load: 24V – 1A

Connections:
  • 2 × 3.5mm mono female jack connections (switch input and switch output)
Size: 105 × 59 × 50 mm

⚠️ Use only within these limits.

6. Setting up

1. Connect to mains
Plug the Participation Box into a suitable wall outlet.
Make sure the voltage matches the label on your device.

2. Connect your appliance
Plug the appliance into the power socket on top of the Participation Box. Ensure:
  • The appliance is switched ON.
  • It is safe to operate.
  • It does not exceed the rated load.

3. Select the function mode
Turn the function selector dial to the position you want.
See the mode table in section 7 below.

4. Connect your switch
Plug your 3.5mm mono switch into the switch input socket.

5. (Optional) Connect an adapted device
If needed, connect an adapted device to the switch output using the included cable.

The switch output activates at the same time as the main appliance.

7. Using the Participation Box

There are three main activation types:

1. Direct (Momentary)
The appliance runs only while the switch is pressed. This is good for:
  • Cause-and-effect activities
  • Fan play
  • Sensory lights

2. On/Off (Latched)
Each press changes the state:
  • First press: ON
  • Next press: OFF

Good for:

  • Music participation
  • Operating lamps
  • Simple independence tasks

3. Timed Mode
The appliance runs for a set time after each press. The timed positions available are:
Selector positionTime
21 second
32 seconds
45 seconds
510 seconds
615 seconds
730 seconds
845 seconds
960 seconds
A2 seconds
B1 min 30 seconds
C2 minutes
D2 min 30 seconds
E3 minutes
F4 minutes
G5 minutes
Timed mode is helpful for:
  • Turn-taking
  • Shared activities
  • Reducing repeated pressing
  • Managing high-energy devices safely

8. Typical & atypical use cases

Typical uses
  • Turning on a lamp in a sensory room
  • Operating a fan for cause-and-effect
  • Controlling music playback
  • Activating small appliances

Creative uses
  • Enabling a learner to switch on classroom lights
  • Inclusive cooking activities
  • Group participation in assemblies
Always ensure safe supervision with electrical appliances.

9. Adjustments and options

The only adjustment is the function selector dial. You can choose:
  • 0 = On/Off
  • 1 = Maintained (Direct)
  • 2–F = Timed durations
There are no additional sensitivity or dwell adjustments.

10. Compatibility and connections

Compatible with:
  • Standard 3.5mm wirled mono switches
  • Appliances that can power on immediately when plugged in
Not compatible with:
  • Devices that require intervention once plugged in, or enter a standby mode (e.g. a modern television).
  • Devices that default to OFF after power interruption
The switch output can operate an adapted device simultaneously (max 24V – 1A).

11. Warranty

The Participation Box has a 2 year warranty. If you experience any issues, please email [email protected].

 
 
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