APH Select Switch User manual

Power Select
Environmental
Control Unit

American Printing House
for the Blind (APH)
Empowering people who are blind or low vision
by providing accessible and innovative products,
materials, and services for lifelong success.
Power Select
The Power Select is a control unit that enables
individuals to communicate and control electrical
and battery-operated (with an AC adapter
source) toys, appliances, and devices. The unit
was designed specifically for APH’s assistive
devices; however, it can be used in other learning
applications and daily living skills.
NOTE: The Power Select is designed for 110-130
VAC only. Use of adapters for 220 systems is
not recommended.
Introduction
The Power Select control unit enables switch
operation of electrical devices. The Power
Select includes features that make it useful for
individuals with severe motor disabilities and
cognitive impairments.
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Features
• Two GFCI duplex outlets (total of 1700 watts
per side)
• Two switch jacks to provide choice-making
opportunities (Any switch with a 1/8 inch (3.5
mm) mono plug or adapter may be used.)
Indicator light
GFCI duplex GFCI duplex
outlet 1 outlet 2
Timer knob Switch jack 2
Mode knob Switch jack 1
• Four modes of control to meet the user’s needs
• A low slanting profile to allow easy accessibility
• Rounded corners for safety
• A wrap-around carrying handle with closure to
store the power cord when not in use
Mode of Control
The Power Select provides four types of appliance
control: Direct mode; Timed Seconds mode;
Timed Minutes mode; and Latch mode. Prior to
using the Power Select and choosing a Mode of
Control for a first-time switch user, consult with a
professional person who is qualified to assess the
abilities and limitations of the learner. Consider
all the learner’s disabilities and impairments and
review the learner’s goals.
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Direct
The direct mode keeps the appliance(s) on only
while the switch is activated (pressed down).
Many first-time switch users prefer this mode. A
learner enjoys the breeze created by the fan on
her wheelchair tray. She learns that she controls
the fan/breeze by keeping the switch
pressed down.
To select, turn the mode knob (lower knob) to the
Direct position. The upper knob is not used in
this mode. The appliance will turn on when the
switch is activated (pressed down) and will turn
off when the switch is released.
Timed Seconds
The Timed Seconds mode allows the appliance
to run for a preset amount of time, from 1 to 60
seconds, with a single activation. For example,
set the vibrating pad for the desired number of
seconds. When it stops, watch closely for the
learner to cue you to continue and then activate
the switch again. Teach the learner to activate
the switch. This mode can also be used to teach
vocational and daily living skills like sharpening
a pencil with an electric sharpener or making
blender drinks and snacks.
To select, turn the mode knob to the Timed
Seconds (S) position, and the timer knob
(upper knob) to the number of seconds you wish
the appliance to remain on. When the time has
expired, the Power Select will automatically turn
off the appliance even if the user is still pressing
the switch.
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Timed Minutes
The Timed Minutes mode allows the appliance
to run for a preset amount of time, from 1 to
60 minutes, with a single activation. This mode
is useful for lengthier, self-activated routines
like using an electric massager or calming one’s
arousal state using a vibrating pad, listening to
music, or activating a bubble blowing machine.
To select, turn the mode knob to the Timed
Minutes (M) position, and the timer knob to
the number of minutes you wish the appliance
to remain on. When the time has expired, the
control unit will turn off the appliance even if the
user is still pressing the switch.
If you do not want to wait for the set
time to expire, turn the mode knob
to any other mode of control and the
applicance will shut off.
Latch
The first activation of the switch turns the
appliance ON; the second activation turns it OFF.
The Latch mode can be used when an individual
wants an appliance, such as a television, DVD/
cassette player, lamp, or hair dryer to remain on
for an extended length of time.
To select, turn the lower knob to the Latch
position. The timer knob is not used in this mode.
The appliance will turn on when the switch is
activated, and turn off when it is activated again.
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Setting Up
1. Plug the appliance(s) or device(s) into either
Outlet 1 or Outlet 2 on the Power Select.
2. Plug the switch into Switch Jack 1 or Switch
Jack 2 (corresponding to Outlet 1 or Outlet
2). The switch must have a 1/8 inch (3.5 mm)
mono plug or adapter.
3. Plug the Power Select into a grounded
electrical outlet. (Use a grounding adapter if
electrical supply mains are not grounded.)
4. Turn the appliance to the ON or PLAY position.
For an appliance with pressure-sensitive ON/
OFF control, tape the appliance’s control
button/switch in the ON position.
5. Select a mode of control.
6. Activate the switch.
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Simultaneous
Appliance Operation
If two appliances are plugged into one GFCI
duplex outlet at the same time, they will operate
simultaneously when activated with the one
corresponding switch.
Never connect two heat-producing
appliances to one GFCI duplex
outlet, such as a heating pad and a
hair dryer. Two appliances plugged
into one duplex outlet cannot
exceed 1700 watts combined.
Appliances plugged into Outlet 1 and Outlet 2
at the same time will not operate simultaneously,
even if corresponding switches are activated
at the same time. See Choice-Making
Activities below.
Choice-Making Activities
In choice-making activities, any mode of control
may be used. When one appliance has been
activated, the other will not activate until the first
one is turned off (Latch and Direct modes) or until
the preset time has elapsed (Timed Seconds or
Timed Minutes modes).
1. Plug one choice (an appliance) into Outlet 1 on
the left side of the Power Select and plug the
other choice (different appliance) into Outlet 2
on the right side of the Power Select.
2. Plug two switches into the switch jacks.
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Choice 1
Switch 1
Choice 2
Switch 2
3. Plug the control unit into a grounded electrical
outlet. (Use a grounding adapter if electrical
supply mains are not grounded.)
4. Turn the ON/OFF switch on your appliance to
the ON or PLAY position.
5. Select a mode of control.
6. Activate a switch and the corresponding
choice/appliance will turn on.
Trouble Shooting
If the equipment fails to operate after you have
read the instructions, follow the suggestions
listed below. If the problem persists, call APH
Technical Support at 1-800-223-1839 (U.S.)
or 1-502-895-2405.
1. Check all cord and jack connections to make
sure that they are in place firmly.
• Is the Power Select plugged into the
wall outlet?
• Is the appliance cord plugged into the
Power Select?
• Is the switch plugged into the Power Select?
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2. Make sure that the ON/OFF switch on the
appliance is turned ON. If the appliance has a
pressure-sensitive switch, tape the switch in
the ON position.
3. Check to see if the timer knob and the mode
knob show the desired length of time and the
type of control.
4. Plug the appliance into the wall outlet directly
to be sure the outlet and the appliance
are working.
If you’ve connected an appliance and it fails to
turn on, try the following:
1. Press the reset button on the GFCI outlet
being used.
2. Plug the appliance into the wall outlet, turn
on the appliance, then, without turning it
off, unplug it from the wall outlet. After 10
minutes, plug it in again. If the appliance
comes on without anyone reactivating its ON/
OFF switch, it will operate with the Power
Select control unit.
3. Check the switch by plugging it into
another system.
4. Check the Power Select by plugging it into
an outlet and connecting a single switch and
appliance (that you know are working) to the
Power Select.
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Safety
1. Read the instructions for all appliances
and devices before using them with the
Power Select.
2. Use caution when placing any appliance near
a user (especially appliances that have moving
parts or that generate heat).
3. Keep the Power Select and all appliances away
from water and moisture.
4. Do not open the Power Select to expose
its interior.
5. To prevent injury, always unplug the
appliance(s) before opening the lid to a
blender, grinder, food processor, etc.
6. Keep the floor clear of cords to avoid trips and
falls, and to prevent the Power Select or a
connected appliance from being pulled to the
floor. Position all cords near the wall away
from children.
Storage and Care
1. If cleaning is required, first disconnect the
Power Select from the wall outlet. Next,
disconnect the appliances and switches from
the Power Select. Use a damp cloth to wipe
the surface.
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