Adaptivation Randomizer Gamer User manual

INCORPORATED
ADAPTIVATION
The World at a Touch
Randomizer Gamer
Instruction Manual
Adaptivation, Inc.
2225 W. 50th Street, Suite 100
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
[phone]
www.adaptivation.com

2
Introduction
This manual applies to serial #’s RAND90-1966 and higher. It also
applies to all serial #’s beginning with RAND180. RAND180 devices
have 90 seconds of speech per level in Short Play (SP) mode, and 180
seconds in Long Play (LP) mode. Some devices may not have an SP/
LP switch, in which case the device plays only in SP mode. For older
devices, download the manual from www.adaptivation.com.
Multiple digitized messages can be recorded and played back by
pressing the Randomizer on the top surface or by plugging in an
external switch such as Adaptivation’s Taction Pads or Pal Pads.
New Features
-A beep cue is heard when installing a new battery, verifying
the integrity of the battery. See section, Battery Installation,
for details.
-On level 1, Randomizers will play back messages at random.
This means that the same message could repeat before
other messages are selected. It’s just like flipping a coin.
-On Level 2, messages play back at random, but no message
will repeat until all messages have played at least once.
Contents
Go to www.adaptivation.com to download application
ideas and photos of your new Adaptivation device.
Introduction .....................................................................................3
New Features ...................................................................................3
Randomizer Diagram .....................................................................4
Battery Installation ..........................................................................5
Recording a Message .....................................................................6
Playing a Message ..........................................................................7
Relay (Toy) Operation ....................................................................8
External Speaker Jack ....................................................................9
Mounting Options 9
Trouble-Shooting ......................................................................... 10
Insider Secrets & Cheats ............................................................. 12
Randomizing Ideas ...................................................................... 14
Warranty .......................................................................................... 16

3
Introduction
This manual applies to serial #’s RAND90-1966 and higher. It also
applies to all serial #’s beginning with RAND180. RAND180 devices
have 90 seconds of speech per level in Short Play (SP) mode, and 180
seconds in Long Play (LP) mode. Some devices may not have an SP/
LP switch, in which case the device plays only in SP mode. For older
devices, download the manual from www.adaptivation.com.
Multiple digitized messages can be recorded and played back by
pressing the Randomizer on the top surface or by plugging in an
external switch such as Adaptivation’s Taction Pads or Pal Pads.
New Features
-A beep cue is heard when installing a new battery, verifying
the integrity of the battery. See section, Battery Installation,
for details.
-On level 1, Randomizers will play back messages at random.
This means that the same message could repeat before
other messages are selected. It’s just like flipping a coin.
-On Level 2, messages play back at random, but no message
will repeat until all messages have played at least once.
Messages for Level-1 & Level-2 are recorded indepen-
dently of one another. That means you may re-record
messages on one level without affecting the messages
on the other level.

4
Battery Installation
1. Check to ensure that your Randomizer is turned ON by rotating
the Volume/Power knob to the full ON position.
2. Open the battery compartment cover by removing the single
Phillips-head screw.
3. Properly insert a 9-volt battery. If your battery is fresh, you will
hear a one-second power-up beep sound (only for serial #’s
higher than or equal to RAND90-1941).
4. Replace the battery compartment cover and secure with the
screw. Take care not to overtighten.
Randomizer Diagram
External Switch Jack
Relay Out (switch-adapted toy)
External Speaker Jack
Power/Volume Knob
Play/Record Switch
Microphone
Switch Surface Speaker

5
Battery Installation
1. Check to ensure that your Randomizer is turned ON by rotating
the Volume/Power knob to the full ON position.
2. Open the battery compartment cover by removing the single
Phillips-head screw.
3. Properly insert a 9-volt battery. If your battery is fresh, you will
hear a one-second power-up beep sound (only for serial #’s
higher than or equal to RAND90-1941).
4. Replace the battery compartment cover and secure with the
screw. Take care not to overtighten.
For optimal performance, Adaptivation recommends the
use of alkaline batteries only.
When changing the battery, your Randomizer will retain
all recorded messages.
When you are not using the Randomizer, we recommend
turning off the device to prevent accidental activation and
to save on battery life.

6
Playing a Message
1. When finished recording messages, slide the PLAY/RECORD
switch to the PLAY-1 position. Press down on the Randomizer,
and your message will play back. Press down again, and your
next message will play - the Randomizer will provide a randomly
selected message.
2. To access the second level of messages, slide the PLAY/RECORD
switch to the PLAY-2 position.
3. Optionally access your Randomizer by inserting any external
switch with a standard ⁄” (3.5mm) plug into the jack labeled
Ext Switch.
4. On level 1, Randomizers will play back messages at random.
This means that the same message could repeat before other
messages are selected. It’s just like flipping a coin. On level 2, mes-
sages are played back in a pseudo random pattern, also known
as Gamer Selection. That is, no one message will repeat until all
the other messages have played.
5. After all messages have played, the pattern will repeat. If you
want the Randomizer to use a different pattern, switch to the
Play-1 level, play any message, then return to level-2. This will
reset the Gamer random pattern.
Recording a Message
1. Turn on the power by rotating the VOLUME/POWER knob to
mid-position.
2. For level 1, slide the PLAY/RECORD switch to the REC-1 position.
This will record your series of messages into Level-1.
3. Press down on the Randomizer and hold. A beeping cue can be
heard, indicating the device is ready to record. When the beep-
ing stops, speak your message clearly, about twelve inches away,
into the side marked MIC - same side as the speaker. Release
the switch when your message is finished. A continuous beep
indicates that the memory is full for a given level.
4. To record your next message, press and hold the top of the device
while you speak. Repeat steps 2 & 3 until finished recording all
messages.
5. If you want to record on Level-2, slide the PLAY/RECORD switch to
the REC-2 position. Record your messages as you did for Level-1.
Remember to wait until the beeping cue has stopped, before
you start speaking.
6. To re-record messages, simply repeat the above steps. Levels
can be recorded in any order! Messages can also be recorded
using an external switch rather than the top of the Randomizer.

7
Playing a Message
1. When finished recording messages, slide the PLAY/RECORD
switch to the PLAY-1 position. Press down on the Randomizer,
and your message will play back. Press down again, and your
next message will play - the Randomizer will provide a randomly
selected message.
2. To access the second level of messages, slide the PLAY/RECORD
switch to the PLAY-2 position.
3. Optionally access your Randomizer by inserting any external
switch with a standard ⁄” (3.5mm) plug into the jack labeled
Ext Switch.
4. On level 1, Randomizers will play back messages at random.
This means that the same message could repeat before other
messages are selected. It’s just like flipping a coin. On level 2, mes-
sages are played back in a pseudo random pattern, also known
as Gamer Selection. That is, no one message will repeat until all
the other messages have played.
5. After all messages have played, the pattern will repeat. If you
want the Randomizer to use a different pattern, switch to the
Play-1 level, play any message, then return to level-2. This will
reset the Gamer random pattern.
Refer to the section, Randomizing Ideas at the end of this
manual for example uses of random messaging.

8
Relay (Toy) Operation
The Randomizer has a relay that allows battery-operated devices
such as switch-adapted toys to be activated simultaneously with
each message. The toy will activate for the entire duration of the
recorded message.
Example 1: For this example, use the relay to activate a toy for
the duration of the message. You will need a standard cable con-
nector with ⁄” (3.5mm) male jacks on both ends (available from
Adaptivation). One end of the cable connector is plugged into
the adapted toy (if your battery operated toy is not already com-
mercially adapted for switch use, adapt it with a Battery Interrupter
available from Adaptivation). The other end of the cable connector
is then plugged into the jack marked RLY OUT on the Randomizer.
Record a message. To activate, simply press the Randomizer, and
the toy will activate for the duration of the message.
Example 2: This example may be useful when you want an adapted
device to stay on for longer than the message length.
Option 1: Record messages as described earlier, but continue
to press the Randomizer after you are done speaking (record
silence). Release. Repeat for each message. When messages
are played, the adapted toy will be activated for the dura-
tion of the entire message, including the silence at the end.
Option 2: A commercially available switch-latch-timer, such
as Adaptivation’s Linkswitch allows for customizing time
lengths and modes of operation.

9
External Speaker Jack
This jack allows you to plug in an external speaker or headphones.
A speaker that amplifies (such as desktop computer speakers)
is appropriate for situations when very loud volume is needed.
Headphones are appropriate when the device is being used to
relay messages to the listener (i.e. giving directions). The Random-
izer’s internal speaker will automatically shut off when an external
speaker is used.
Mounting Options
The Randomizer comes with rubber feet to help keep it from sliding.
When mounting on a table or other flat surface, Velcro® or Dual-
Lock® can be used as an alternate mounting method. If necessary,
remove the rubber feet to help secure the Velcro®. Adaptivation
recommends that when using mounting methods such as Velcro® or
Dual-Lock®, you not cover the serial number location. Adaptivation
carries an extensive range of mounting systems that can greatly
improve the utility of your device by allowing optimal placement
for your client, child or student.

10
Trouble-Shooting
Does not play back.
-Make sure the volume knob is turned up.
-Battery may be too low.
-If an external speaker is used, make sure the cable is plugged
into the EXT SPK jack.
-If an external speaker is used, does it need its own power
supply?
-Make sure the Randomizer is in Play mode.
-If using an external switch, does it work?
Relay does not activate.
-Make sure the cable connector is working.
-Make sure the cable connector is plugged into the RLY OUT
jack.
-Make sure the adapted device you are trying to operate
works. Try plugging a switch directly into the adapted
device.
The Randomizer is not recording.
-Make sure the Randomizer is in the REC mode.
-Battery may be too low.
-If using an external switch, make sure it works.
-If using an external switch, make sure it is plugged into the
EXT SWITCH jack.

11
Poor sound quality.
-Speak clearly into the side marked MIC, holding the Ran-
domizer about 12 inches away. Don’t speak too loudly.
-Battery may be too low.
-The mic is very sensitive and might pick up electrical noise
such as air conditioners, electric motors, power lines, etc.
-Some older models have a Short Play / Long Play (SP/LP)
mode. Make sure the device is in Short Play mode.
A mechanical sound is heard at the end of a message.
-Record using an external switch such as an Adaptivation Pal
Pad or any other switch with no moving parts.
Messages are garbled on mid or high volumes, but the sound
is good on very low volume.
-Replace the battery with a fresh battery.
No power-up beep, or poor sound.
-Battery may be dead or too weak. Remove battery, wait 2
minutes and try again. If there is no beep, replace the bat-
tery with a fresh battery.
Level-2 doesn’t seem to play in random order.
-Because level-2 messages play back in psuedo-random
order, it might appear that the messages are playing in
sequential order. This is more likely to happen when only
a few messages are recorded. To change the order of mes-
sages, play a level-1 message, then return to level 2.

12
Insider Secrets & Cheats
To remove the mechanical sound from the end of a recording
on the Randomizer, record your message using an Adaptivation
Pal Pad or any other switch with no moving parts.
The Randomizer Gamer (serial #’s RAND-1966 and higher &
and all RAND180-) uses pseudo random messaging on level 2.
This is useful for activities such as roll call, picking members of a
team or Bingo, because any given message will not be repeated
until all the others have been selected. Older versions of the Ran-
domizer use true random selection for both levels.
After time, you might accumulate many adapted-books and
adapted-toy applications for use with your Adaptivation equip-
ment. Keep your applications well organized by placing each
one of them in its own re-sealable bag. Then, hang these bags
on the wall on a peg board. Place into each bag very detailed,
step-by-step instructions for how to reconstruct the application.
This is useful for others who are not familiar with your applica-
tion. Be very explicit and comprehensive in your instructions.
Include such things as: for whom the application is intended;
the assistive device that is needed; the actual words to be spo-
ken (in quotes) for each message; alternative activities, words
or equipment; etc.
To make your device more tolerant of spilled liquids, place it
in a sealable plastic bag. You can still access the switch surface
through the plastic.

13
Pocket Overlays, available from Adaptivation, are clear adhesive-
backed pockets into which overlays or pictures can be inserted. The
Pocket Overlay is adhered to the Switch Surface of your Randomizer.
Such overlays and pictures can improve the functionality of your
Randomizer by providing greater symbolic meaning.
The External Speaker jack is used to connect an amplified speak-
er such as those used with desk top computers. External, amplified
speakers can significantly increase the quality and volume of your
messages. You can even connect your Randomizer to a school’s
P.A. system for announcements or for amplifying lines in a play.
Level-2 plays messages in pseudo-random order. That is, no
message is repeated until all messages are played. This mode
works best when many messages are recorded. When only a few
messages are needed, consider using level 1, where messages are
played back in true random order.
Use your Randomizer to operate switch-adapted toys for ran-
dom periods of time. This is especially effective for paint spinners
adapted as turn-taking or color/number selectors. Simply record
messages of varying lengths.
Record your cheats here -

14
Randomizing Ideas
-Bingo caller †
-Duck, Duck, Goose
-Roll dice
-Choose colors
-Magic 8-ball
-Red Rover †
-Select classroom station †
-Greetings
-Cheering
-Rock, Paper, Scissors
-Reinforcing sounds
-Choose snack
-Pick teams †
-Sorting
-Mother May I?
-Classroom jobs/chores †
-Mad Libs
-Counting money
-Sentence starters
-Pick a winner
-Twister
-Simon Says
-Test taking/giving †
-Vocabulary matching
-Hokey Pokey
-Scavenger hunt †
† Works well with Gamer random selection (Level-2)
See www.adaptivation.com for more ideas.

15
Notes:

1-Year Limited Warranty
Your Adaptivation Randomizer Gamer was carefully tested and
inspected before it was shipped from the factory. We warrant
this product to be free from de fects in materials and work-
manship under normal use and service for one (1) year from
the date of purchase. In the event of a defect in materials or
workmanship, we will either repair or replace without charge,
at our option, any part which in our judgment shows evidence
of such defect within one (1) year of purchase.
This warranty does not apply if the Randomizer Gamer has
been misused, abused, altered, or tampered with. At the end
of the warranty period, Adaptivation shall be under no further
obligation expressed or im plied.
This warranty gives you specific rights, and you may also have
other rights which vary from state to state.
For repair service, contact Adaptivation's technical
department to receive a required RMA# (return material
authorization number) prior to the return of the device.
Adaptivation, Inc.
2225 W. 50th St. Suite 100
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
(800)-723-2783, [phone], [phone] (fax)
inf[email protected]om, www.adaptivation.com
Please make sure your Randomizer is clean
before returning it to Adaptivation for service.
11/08/2012