As an alternative to directly selecting each button on the screen, the application offers single-switch scanning and two-switch scanning. You can choose to have scanning activate automatically, or you can choose to either hold the switch or step to each location. With Auto Scan off, a switch activation is required to move the scan through each button, one at a time.
To access the options for customizing a scanning technique, go to Menu > Application Settings > Input. The “Access” settings will be displayed at the top of the screen.
Select Scanning. The scanning settings will be displayed.
Enable Scanning turns scanning on or off. You must turn scanning on to access the other settings.
Note: Some Button Actions require physical contact with the screen that a person who uses scanning may not be able to provide. We have avoided these button actions when scanning is turned on to maintain the person’s independence: Record Speech, Load Display, Save Display, Open Android App, SDB - Share Text, or Take Photo.
Switch Access allows you to choose Switch Configuration or Auto Scan.
Switch Configuration defines the selection method: One Switch or Two Switch.
Auto Scan allows you to turn auto scanning on or off. When Auto Scan is turned on, scanning will activate without holding a switch. When Auto Scan is turned off, a switch activation is required to move the scan through each button, one at a time.
Patterns sets the scanning pattern to linear, row/column, block, or flow and turns on or off scanning of the Speech Display Bar and empty button areas.
Scan Timing defines the scanning speed and the number of rescans and turns activation delay and auto restart on or off.
To set scanning to activate without holding a switch, go to Menu > Application Settings > Input > Scanning > Enable Scanning. Then choose Switch Access > Auto Scan.
Set Up a Wired Switch
Plug the switch into switch jack A or switch jack B on the device. If you are using two switches, plug a switch into each jack.
⚠️ Cords and cables are potential entanglement or strangulation hazards. Please consider this prior to placing these items with device users.To enable scanning, go to Menu > Application Settings > Input > Scanning > Enable Scanning.
To set up the switch or switches you connected to the switch jacks, select Switch Access. The switch access settings are displayed.
Select Switch Configuration and select the number of switches you plan to use.
If you selected One Switch in the Switch Configuration window, Switch 1 will be active and Switch 2 will be grayed out.
If you selected Two Switch, both Switch 1 and Switch 2 will be active.
Note: When “(Left)” or “(Right)” appears in a Switch 1 or Switch 2 setting, it does not affect how you should set up the switch. It only refers to the internal technical configuration of the switch, which you can disregard.
To set up Switch 1, select Switch 1: …. The prompt “Press any switch” will appear. Press the switch intended to start and stop the scan.
To set up Switch 2, select Switch 2: …. The prompt “Press any switch” will appear. Press the switch intended to make your choice or activation.
Note: To use the touchscreen as either Switch 1 or Switch 2, tap the touchscreen at the “Press any switch” prompt.
Adjust additional scan settings as necessary.
Set Up a Bluetooth Switch with Android 10 or Below
Bluetooth (wireless) switches are typically set up as a keyboard. PRC-Saltillo has developed an AeroSwitch® that offers a proprietary Broadcast mode. See the switch setup instructions for the mode that is compatible with your device. If you use Broadcast mode, skip the pairing step and go directly to step 2.
Pair the wireless switch with your device. Activate the pairing button on the switch. On the device, go to Menu > Application Settings > System > Bluetooth Settings > Connect to Switch. Then select the name of the switch.
Note: Pairing is a timed process. When the name of your switch appears, select it quickly (usually within 10 seconds). If you do not select it quickly enough, you may need to back up one menu and choose Connect to Switch again and select the switch name again.
To enable scanning, go to Menu > Application Settings > Input > Scanning > Enable Scanning.
To set up one switch or two switches, select Switch Access. The switch access settings are displayed.
Select Switch Configuration and select the number of switches you plan to use.
If you select One Switch in the Switch Configuration window, Switch 1 will be active and Switch 2 will be grayed out.
If you select Two Switch, both Switch 1 and Switch 2 will be active.
Note: When “(Left)” or “(Right)” appears in a Switch 1 or Switch 2 setting, it does not affect how you should set up the switch. It only refers to the internal technical configuration of the switch, which you can disregard.
To set up Switch 1, select Switch 1: …. The prompt “Press any switch” will appear. Press the switch intended to start and stop the scan.
To set up Switch 2, select Switch 2: …. The prompt “Press any switch” will appear. Press the switch intended to make your choice or activation.
Adjust additional scan settings as necessary.
Note: If you are using an Android 10 or higher device without an amplifier connected, open the Android settings and turn the Location setting On.
To disconnect (unpair) the keyboard switch:
Go to Menu > Application Settings > System > Bluetooth Settings > Connect to Switch.
Select the name of the switch.
Note: If the device is no longer present, see the switch instructions to remove any pairing.
Set Up a Bluetooth Switch with Android 11 or Higher
Bluetooth (wireless) switches are typically set up as a keyboard. PRC-Saltillo has developed an AeroSwitch that offers a proprietary Broadcast mode. See the switch setup instructions for the mode that is compatible with your device. If you use Broadcast mode, skip the pairing step and go directly to step 2.
Pair the wireless switch with your device.
Ensure the switch is turned off.
Select the keyboard mode you’d like to use and turn the switch on.
Press and release the switch pairing button.
Go to the Android settings and select Connection > Bluetooth.
Select the name of the switch.
Select Pair.
Note: Pairing is a timed process. When the name of your switch appears, select it quickly (usually within 10 seconds). If you do not select it quickly enough, you may need to back up one menu and choose Connection > Bluetooth again and select the switch name again.
To enable scanning, go to Menu > Application Settings > Input > Scanning > Enable Scanning.
To set up one switch or two switches, select Switch Access. The switch access settings are displayed.
Select Switch Configuration and choose the number of switches you plan to use.
If you select One Switch in the Switch Configuration window, Switch 1 will be active and Switch 2 will be grayed out.
If you select Two Switch, both Switch 1 and Switch 2 will be active.
Note: When “(Left)” or “(Right)” appears in a Switch 1 or Switch 2 setting, it does not affect how you should set up the switch. It only refers to the internal technical configuration of the switch, which you can disregard.
To set up Switch 1, select Switch 1: …. The prompt “Press any switch” will appear. Press the switch intended to start and stop the scan.
To set up Switch 2, select Switch 2: …. The prompt “Press any switch” will appear. Press the switch intended to make your choice or activation.
Adjust additional scan settings as necessary.
Note: If you are using an Android 10 or higher device without an amplifier connected, open the Android settings and turn the Location setting On.
To disconnect (unpair) the keyboard switch:
Go to the Android settings and select Connection > Bluetooth.
Select the gear icon to the right of the switch name.
Select Unpair.
Select the Scan Pattern
To select the scan mode:
Go to Menu > Application Settings > Input > Scanning > Patterns > Mode. The Mode window will be displayed.
Select the dropdown menu
to display a list of mode options.Select the mode option you want: Linear, Row/Column, Block, or Flow.
Select OK.
Linear Scan Mode
A linear scan steps through the buttons from left to right beginning in the first row. When the button you want is highlighted, activate your switch.
To select linear scan mode, go to Menu > Application Settings > Input > Scanning > Patterns > Mode. Select Linear from the Mode window.
Using Linear Step Scan Mode with a Single Switch
Verify that Enable Scanning is selected. Go to Menu > Application Settings > Input > Scanning. A checkmark should appear in the Enable Scanning checkbox.
Turn Auto Scan off. Select Switch Access and verify that Auto Scan is not selected. With Auto Scan off, a switch activation is required to move the scan through each button, one at a time.
Set Activation Delay to a setting that works for you. For example, 2.0 seconds. Select Scan Timing > Activation Delay. This determines how long you must stay off the switch before an activation takes effect.
Set the scan mode to Linear. Go to Patterns > Mode > Linear and select OK.
Go to your vocabulary and step through each button by pressing the switch at each, then release the switch when you reach the button you want to activate.
Using Linear Scan Mode with Two Switches
Verify that Enable Scanning is selected. Go to Menu > Application Settings > Input > Scanning. A checkmark should appear in the Enable Scanning checkbox.
Turn Auto Scan on or off, whichever is appropriate for the user. Select Switch Access and select the Auto Scan checkbox to insert or remove a checkmark.
Note: When Auto Scan is turned on, scanning will activate without holding a switch. When Auto Scan is turned off, a switch activation is required to move the scan through each button, one at a time.
Set the scan mode to Linear. Go to Patterns > Mode > Linear and select OK.
Go to your vocabulary and choose switch A to step and switch B to make an activation.
Row/Column Scan Mode
A row/column scan highlights each row of buttons beginning with the top row and move down the screen. When the row that contains the button you want is highlighted, activate your switch.
The scan will then step through the buttons from left to right across the row. When the button you want is highlighted, activate your switch.
To select row/column scan mode, go to Menu > Application Settings > Input > Scanning > Patterns > Mode. Select Row/Column from the Mode window.
Block Scan Mode
A block scan highlights blocks of buttons. The blocks are defined by the settings in the Mode window. When the block that contains the button you want is highlighted, activate your switch.
The scan will then highlight smaller blocks, rows, or columns within the block, depending on your settings. When the button you want is highlighted, activate your switch.
To select block scan mode, go to Menu > Application Settings > Input > Scanning > Patterns > Mode. Select Block from the Mode window. A new Mode window will open.
To increase the number of columns or rows in a block, select +; to decrease the number, select – ; or select “As many as possible”.
If you want a scan to switch to Row/Column mode after a block is selected, choose “Switch to Row/Column within groups”.
If you want to scan by blocks only, leave “Switch to Row/Column within groups” unselected.
When you finish setting block options, select OK.
Flow Scan Mode
A flow scan highlights groups of buttons that flow from one row into the next. The flows are defined by the settings in the Mode window. When the flow that contains the button you want is highlighted, activate your switch. Flow scanning is provided as a scanning option for individuals who do not require consistency within a scan pattern.
To select flow scan mode, go to Menu > Application Settings > Input > Scanning > Patterns > Mode. Select Flow from the Mode window. A new Mode window will open.
To increase the number of groups in a flow, select +. To decrease the number of groups, select –. Or select “As many as possible”. When you finish setting flow options, select OK.
Optimize Block and Flow Scans
Scan Optimization only works in Block Scan Mode and Flow Scan Mode. To optimize block and flow scans, go to Menu > Application Settings > Input > Scanning > Patterns. Then turn on Scan Optimization.
When Scan Optimization is turned on, blocks or flows are scanned in the most efficient way on each page. If you turn Scan Optimization off, blocks or flows will be scanned the same way on all pages.
With Scan Optimization turned on: Flow finds the lowest average # of scanning steps for every button on a page. Visualize the page layout in one straight line. For example, if you break the buttons on a page into 6 equal groups, it takes 5 scanning steps just to get to the 6th group. Flow adjusts the groups so the initial one is larger, spreading the groups over the page to average the number of scanning steps over the entire page more equally.
With Scan Optimization turned off: Flow scans equal groups of buttons on every page. Visualize the page layout in one straight line. For example, if you break the buttons on a page into equal groups, the same number of buttons will be scanned in each group.
Configure Speech Display Bar Scans
To include the SDB in scans:
Selecting the SDB speaks the current text. Turn scanning of the Speech Display Bar on or off by selecting Menu > Application Settings > Input > Scanning > Patterns > Scan SDB.
To include the SDB Scan Clear button in scans:
Turn scanning of the Scan Clear 
button on or off by going to Menu > Application Settings > Input > Scanning > Patterns > Scan Clear Button.
When the Scan Clear Button is turned on, the SDB is scanned as follows:
When the scan reaches the SDB, the entire SDB is highlighted.
With the SDB highlighted: If the user presses the switch, the text is highlighted and spoken.
With the SDB highlighted: If the user does nothing, the Clear Button is highlighted.
With the Clear Button highlighted: If the user presses the switch, the last word in the display is cleared. If the user does nothing,
on the Clear Button automatically changes to
. With the Clear Button showing
: If the user presses the switch, all the text is cleared. This is the equivalent of pressing and holding the Clear Button.
Configure Notification Scans
Turn scanning of notifications in the SDB on or off by going to Menu > Application Settings > Input > Scanning > Patterns > Scan Notifications. When Scan Notifications is turned on and a text message notification is scanned and selected, the conversations list opens.
Configure Empty Area Scans
Turn scanning of empty button areas on or off by going to Menu > Application Settings > Input > Scanning > Patterns > Skip Empty Areas. When selected, scanning will skip over an area without a button or a button that only has a speech message action but no text.
Set Scan Timing
Scan speed is the amount of time it takes for your device to move from one button, row, or column to the next in a scan. The default scan speed is one second. At this setting, it takes one second from the time one key is highlighted until the next key is highlighted.
To change the scan speed, go to Menu > Application Settings > Input > Scanning > Scan Timing > Scan Speed. The Scan Speed window opens.
To increase the time, tap +. To decrease the time, tap –. Or use the keyboard to enter the exact setting you want. Select OK.
Configure Re-scans
Select the number of times you want your device to scan the page automatically. Once you reach the set number of re-scans, the scan will stop until a switch is activated again.
To set the number of re-scans, go to Menu > Application Settings > Input > Scanning > Scan Timing > Number of Re-scans. The Number of Re-scans window opens.
To increase the number of re-scans, tap +. To decrease the number of re-scans, tap –. Or use the keyboard to enter the exact setting you want. Select OK.
Set Activation Delay
This option gives you a chance to change your mind when you have selected a button. The option is set to your scanning speed automatically.
For example, let's say your activation delay is set to one second (1.0). You scan to and select a button, then realize it is not the button you want. You have one second to activate your switch again to "de-select" the button and then scan to a new button.
To set the activation delay, go to Menu > Application Settings > Input > Scanning > Scan Timing > Activation Delay. The Activation Delay window opens.
To increase the delay, tap +. To decrease the delay, tap –. Or use the keyboard to enter the exact setting you want. Select OK.
Turning on Auto Restart
This option allows you to restart a scan cycle automatically after an activation. To turn on auto restart, go to Menu > Application Settings > Input > Scanning > Scan Timing > Auto Restart.