Pretorian APPlicator Max Instructions

Pretorian APPlicator Max

Product Information
The APPlicator Max is a versatile device that allows you to control multiple devices using programmable switches. It comes with a USB charging cable and detailed instructions. The device is powered by an internal lithium battery, providing many hours of use. It supports Media functions, including QuickMediaTM mode, and allows you to select any keyboard keystroke or mouse function. The Applicator Max has a range of features that offer flexibility in connecting and controlling your devices. With proper configuration, it provides a seamless method to connect and control your devices effectively. Please read the instructions before using the product to maximize its potential. If you have used the previous version, APPlicator, you will find most of these instructions familiar.

Product Usage Instructions
Compatibility
The Applicator Max is compatible with all devices that have Bluetooth built-in. If your PC does not have Bluetooth, you can purchase a low-cost adapter “dongle” from most electronic retailers. To ensure compatibility with APPlicator Max, your devices must support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Bluetooth 4, Bluetooth 5, or Bluetooth LE. Note that some switch functions are specific to certain devices and may not be supported by others. For example, the Keyboard The up/Down function is only supported by Apple devices.

Use-Cases
APPlicator Max can be configured to work in two distinct ways:

1. Multiple Device use-case: Allows you to connect and control multiple devices using different functions assigned to each switch.
2. Single Device use-case: Suitable if you only need to connect to a single device and don’t require multiple Levels. In this case, a standard APPlicator may be more appropriate.

Charging your APPlicator Max
Before using the APPlicator Max, make sure to fully charge its internal battery using the provided USB charging cable. Follow these steps:

1. Plug the charging cable into the charging port [N] of the APPlicator Max.
2. Connect the other end of the charging cable to any USB port.
3. The charging LED [H] will illuminate green, indicating that charging is in progress.
4. Once fully charged, the charging light will turn off. The unit does not need to be turned on for charging.

You can leave the charging cable connected even after the device is fully charged. The APPlicator Max will only charge when necessary, for example, when connected to a USB power pack.

Quick Start Guide – Multiple Device use-case
Follow these steps to quickly get started with the Multiple Device use- case:

1. Ensure that the battery is fully charged as described above.
2. Briefly press the Power button [K] to turn on the APPlicator Max.
3. Press and hold the Up button [F] to select 4d mode (see Choosing Use-Case section below).
4. Configure the function of each switch for each device (see Choosing Switch Functions section).
5. Select a switch to change devices, either using the dedicated Next Device/Level Socket [P] or by programming one of the other four switches for extended press (see Switching from Device to Device section).

Pack Contents
Carefully check the contents of the box, which are: APPlicator Max unit USB charging cable These instructions

Product Description

APPlicator Max is a wireless switch interface specifically designed for disabled users who have multiple devices, or who need to have multiple levels of settings for use with different apps on a single device. It may be used with up to four devices of all types, including AAC devices, iPad/iPhone, Android Devices, PCs/laptops with Bluetooth support, Macs, Chromebooks, and Apple TV. It allows quick and easy switching between devices using either a separate switch or an extended press of one of the functional switches. Up to four switches may be configured, each of which is programmable with a different function for each of the devices, allowing a single switch or set of switches to control your devices in any number of different ways.

It is powered by an internal lithium battery which gives many hours of use. Like APPlicator, it benefits from Media functions (including QuickMediaTM mode) and additionally allows any keyboard keystroke or mouse function to be selected. APPlicator Max has a large number of features to give you the flexibility you need. Properly configured, APPlicator Max creates a powerful method for seamlessly connecting all of your devices to ensure you get the very best from them. Please ensure you read these instructions before first use to enable you to get the best from the product. Users who have already used APPlicator will find most of these instructions familiar.

Features

• Connects to up to four devices (Multiple Devices use-case).
• Alternatively, may be set to Single Device, Multiple Levels use-case (4 Levels).
• Allows up to four switches to be used on multiple devices/ apps without re-plugging/ re-programming.
• Fifth switch to select device (or extended press on one of the other four).
• The function of each switch may be individually selected for each device/level.
• QuickMedia™ mode allows instant access to media player functions on selected devices.
• Any keyboard keystroke can be chosen.
• Full set of mouse functions- left click, right-click, double click, drag, swipe, and cursor movement.
• The integral button allows the on-screen keyboard to be displayed or hidden at any time.
• Manual Power-Off button.
• Button Lock feature to prevent accidental/unauthorized changes to settings.
• Single Shot setting to prevent multiple activations.
• 20m (64’) operating range.
• Integral lithium-ion rechargeable battery, charged from any USB socket.

Compatibility
APPlicator Max is compatible with all types of devices that have Bluetooth built in. For PCs without Bluetooth, low-cost adapter ‘dongles’ may be purchased from most electronic retailers. To function correctly with APPlicator Max your devices must support Bluetooth Low Energy, sometimes known as Bluetooth LE, Bluetooth 4, Bluetooth 5, or simply BLE. A small number of the switch functions are intended for a particular kind of device and may not be supported by other devices. For example, the Keyboard Up/Down function is supported only by Apple devices.

Use-Cases

APPlicator Max may be configured to work in one of two distinct ways: Before configuring your APPlicator Max, please decide which use case is appropriate to your needs. Note that if you intend to connect only to a single device and have no requirement for multiple Levels, a standard APPlicator may be more appropriate to your needs.

• Multiple Device use-case. APPlicator Max connects to up to four devices and may switch between them using a dedicated switch or a long press of one of the other switches. Useful when you have several devices that you wish to control from a single switch or set of switches.
• Single Device, Multiple Levels use-case. APPlicator Max connects to a single device and may be switched between four Levels of switch functions, allowing it to be used with multiple apps requiring differing switch functions on the same device.

Charging your APPlicator Max
Ensure that the integral battery is fully charged by plugging the charging cable into the APPlicator Max charging port [N] and then into any USB port. The charging LED [H] illuminates green to show that charging is taking place. Once fully charged, the charging light is extinguished. The unit does not need to be turned on for charging to take place. It is permissible to leave the charging cable connected, for example, if using a USB power pack. APPlicator Max will only take charge from the charger when it is needed

Quick Start Guide

For Multiple Device use-case, please adhere to the following steps to get started quickly:

1. Make sure the battery is charged as described above.
2. Turn on your APPlicator Max by pressing the Power button [K] briefly.
3. Press and hold the Up button [F] and ensure 4D mode is selected – see the Choosing Use-Case section below.
4. Use the Device button [M] to select the slot you’d like to connect the device to (1-4). Open the device’s Bluetooth Settings menu and begin the pairing process by tapping or clicking on the APPlicator Max listing – see the Pairing Devices section below. Repeat for other devices you wish to connect on other slots.
5. Set the function of each of the switches you wish to use on each device – see the Choosing Switch Functions section.
6. Select which switch you would like to use to change devices- either a dedicated switch in the Next Device/Level Socket [P] or program one of the other four to switch on the extended press – see Switching from Device to Device section.
7. Plug your switches into the sockets [A, P].
8. Begin using your APPlicator Max!

For Single Device, Multiple Levels use-case, use this guide instead:

1. Make sure the battery is charged as described above.
2. Turn on your APPlicator Max by pressing the Power button [K] briefly.
3. Press and hold the Up button [F] and select 1d mode – see Choosing Use-Case section below.
4. In this mode, only slot 1 can be connected to a device. Device LED 1 [D] will flash. Open the device’s Bluetooth Settings menu and begin the pairing process by tapping or clicking on the APPlicator Max listing.
5. Set the function of each of the switches you wish to use on each Level – see the Choosing Switch Functions section.
6. Select which switch you would like to use to change Levels- either a dedicated switch in Next Device/Level Socket [P] or program one of the other four to switch on extended press – see Switching from Device to Device section.
7. Plug your switches into the sockets [A, P].
8. Begin using your APPlicator Max!

Detailed Instructions

Choosing Use-Case
To select the required use case, press and hold the Up button [F] until the display [C] illuminates. It will display either 4d (4 devices, corresponding to Multiple Device use-case) or 1d (1 device, corresponding to Single Device, Multiple Levels use-case). If you wish to change the setting, press the Up button again briefly. Once the display shows the correct setting, simply wait for it to be extinguished and the setting will become active and be saved in memory for future use. By default, the unit is supplied set to 4 device (Multiple Device) use-case.

Pairing Devices
In the Multiple Device use case, you can connect up to four devices, whereas in the Single Device, Multiple Level use case you can connect only one device, on slot 1. In the Multiple Device use-case, the Device button [M] is used to select the current device slot (1 – 4) before pairing. Press it repeatedly until the required device LED [D] is lit. If it is lit solidly (i.e. does not flash), this slot is already paired and connected to a device and is therefore unavailable. Select another device slot instead. If the Device LED flashes slowly, this slot is available to be paired. Look in the Bluetooth menu of the device you wish to connect to and it should appear in the ‘available devices’ list as something similar to:

APPlicatorMax ABC1 #1
Click or tap on it and it will connect within a few seconds. Note that the number after the # sign indicates the slot number. If it doesn’t appear in the list of available devices, press and hold the Device button [M] until the Device LED [D] flashes rapidly and the device will now appear in the list. This is particularly the case with PCs.
Once connected, if you have more devices to connect, press the Device button [M] and repeat.

Choosing Switch Functions
Regardless of which use case you select, setting the modes for each Device or Level is done in the same way: Press the Mode button [E] briefly to turn the display on. The channel LED [B] adjacent to socket 1 lights, together with the current Device/Level LED [D]. The display now shows the function setting for socket 1 on the current Device/ Level. To change it, use the Up and Down buttons [F, G] in conjunction with Table 1 until the required setting appears. You can press and hold Up and Down if you wish. If you wish to make further changes, use the Mode button to move to other sockets. Pressing the Mode button once the Socket 4 LED is lit will result in the Device/Level moving on and Socket 1 being lit. This allows all sixteen settings (4 switches x 4 Devices/Levels) to be cycled around and changed as you require.
Once you are happy with all the settings, simply allow the display to extinguish. All the settings then become active and are saved in memory for future use.

Accessing Media Functions

Table 2: Fixed QuickMediaTM settings >
Some of the devices you connect to (for Multiple Device use-case) or apps that you access (for Single Device, Multiple Levels use-case) may be media-related, for example, YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Music. If these Devices/Levels are only for media access, it is best to set each of the switches individually to the required media functions using Table 1. However, where you are accessing a device/ app that is used sometimes for media functions and sometimes for other purposes, QuickMediaTM mode may prove useful. This allows you to have any functions assigned to the switches but temporarily override them with fixed media functions and then switch back again by turning QuickMediaTM off. To turn QuickMediaTM on or off on the current Device/Level, simply press and hold the QuickMedia button [L]. The QuickMediaTM LED [J] will light while the setting is on. Table 2 shows the fixed functions for each socket while QuickMediaTM is on

Setting No.| Function| Type| Setting No.| Function| Type
---|---|---|---|---|---
0| No Function| Keyboard| 43| 5| Keyboard
1| Space| Keyboard| 44| 6| Keyboard
2| Enter| Keyboard| 45| 7| Keyboard
3| ~ 1| Keyboard| 46| 8| Keyboard
4| ~ 3| Keyboard| 47| 9| Keyboard
5| Up Arrow| Keyboard| 48| A| Keyboard
6| Down Arrow| Keyboard| 49| B| Keyboard
7| Left Arrow| Keyboard| 50| C| Keyboard
8| Right Arrow| Keyboard| 51| D| Keyboard
9| Tab| Keyboard| 52| E| Keyboard
10| Escape| Keyboard| 53| F| Keyboard
11| Play/Pause| Consumer| 54| G| Keyboard
12| Skip Fwd| Consumer| 55| H| Keyboard
13| Skip Back| Consumer| 56| I| Keyboard
14| Volume Up| Consumer| 57| J| Keyboard
15| Volume Down| Consumer| 58| K| Keyboard
16| Mute| Consumer| 59| L| Keyboard
17| Timed 10s| Consumer| 60| M| Keyboard
18| Timed 30s| Consumer| 61| N| Keyboard
19| Home| Consumer| 62| O| Keyboard
20| Enter/Home| Keyboard| 63| P| Keyboard
21| Keyboard Up/Down| Utility| 64| Q| Keyboard
22| QuickMedia TM| Utility| 65| R| Keyboard
23| Left Click| Mouse| 66| S| Keyboard
24| Middle Click| Mouse| 67| T| Keyboard
25| Right Click| Mouse| 68| U| Keyboard
26| Drag| Mouse| 69| V| Keyboard
27| Double Click| Mouse| 70| W| Keyboard
28| Scroll Up| Mouse| 71| X| Keyboard
29| Scroll Down| Mouse| 72| Y| Keyboard
30| Cursor Up| Mouse| 73| Z| Keyboard
31| Cursor Down| Mouse| 74| F1| Keyboard
32| Cursor Left| Mouse| 75| F2| Keyboard
33| Cursor Right| Mouse| 76| F3| Keyboard
34| Swipe Up| Utility| 77| F4| Keyboard
35| Swipe Down| Utility| 78| F5| Keyboard
36| Swipe Left| Utility| 79| F6| Keyboard
37| Swipe Right| Utility| 80| F7| Keyboard
38| 0| Keyboard| 81| F8| Keyboard
39| 1| Keyboard| 82| F9| Keyboard
40| 2| Keyboard| 83| F10| Keyboard
41| 3| Keyboard| 84| F11| Keyboard
42| 4| Keyboard| 85| F12| Keyboard

Turning QuickMediaTM on for one Device/Level does not make changes to the other three Devices/Levels. The QuickMediaTM settings are saved in memory. Note that function 22 (in Table 1) allows any socket to be set to change the QuickMediaTM setting, although if it is to be used, it is strongly recommended to use socket 4 as this becomes QuickMediaTM on/off in QuickMediaTM mode, allowing the user to go in and out of QuickMediaTM mode using a single switch.

Switching from Device to Device (or Level to Level)
If you have your APPlicator Max set to Multiple Device use-case, you will need to be able to select between devices. This may be achieved in two ways: Next Device/ Level Socket [P] is used solely to move from device to device (or Level to Level). Note that it will only move between slots that are occupied, so for example, if you have three devices on slots 1, 2, and 3, APPlicator Max will omit slot 4. Only a brief press is required to move from device to device. Alternatively, you may configure any one of the other sockets [A] to move between devices on a long press. Only one switch can be set this way and by default, none of them are set to do this. To configure this feature, press and hold the Down button [G] until the display shows ‘nd’ (Next Device). If none of the channel LEDs [B] light at the same time, this indicates that none of the sockets are currently set for this feature.

If you wish to set a socket for this feature, press the Mode Down button repeatedly until the channel LED adjacent to the socket in question lights. When you are happy with the setting, simply allow the display to extinguish and the setting will become current and will be saved in memory. Note that just like the Device/ Level Switching Socket, a long press on the chosen switch will only move between slots that are occupied, so for example, if you have three devices on slots 1, 2, and 3, slot 4 will not be selected and APPlicator Max will instead return to slot 1. Also, note that the Device/ Level Switching Socket works simultaneously with an extended press setting but if not required, simply refrain from plugging a switch into it. Irrespective of which switch is used to move from device to device, a beep is emitted as an audible indication of the change, with the beep for device slot 1 being of a higher tone than the others, which is useful when APPlicator Max is out of sight.

If, on the other hand, APPlicator Max is set to Single Device, Multiple Levels use-case (1d), the Device/ Level Switching Socket and/or a long press on the chosen switch moves from Level to Level, the display showing L1, L2, L3 or L4 to indicate the new Level. In all other respects, the operation is the same. Landing back at Level 1 causes the unit to beep with a higher tone to give an audible indication when it is out of sight.

Button Lock

To prevent unintentional/unauthorized changes to APPlicator Max settings, the unit may be locked so that button presses have no effect. To Lock the unit, press and hold Up and Down [F, G] together. The display will show ‘L’. To Unlock, press and hold Up and Down again until the display shows ‘U’. When locked, you can still view all the settings but any attempt to change them will bring up the ‘L’ symbol.
This feature is useful when APPlicator Max is set up before first use by a therapist, carer, or family member and then left with the user, who might otherwise make changes that would prevent correct operation.

Mouse functions
APPlicator Max includes mouse functions Left Click, Right Click, Double Click, and Drag as well as cursor movement settings and swipe functions.. Although these will prove useful on devices such as PCs, Macs, and Chromebooks, Left and Right Click have been included principally in support of eye-gaze devices on iPad, which cannot be used at the same time as iOS Switch Control since Assistive Touch and Switch Control cannot be engaged simultaneously. Instead, setting a switch to Left Click allows navigation using eye-gaze and selection using a switch, which for some users is a very efficient way of working. iPadOS15 and above support eye-gaze devices. Users who have difficulty in releasing switches may benefit from turning on Single-Shot mode on channels set to Left Click or Right Click (see below for more details). Double-click is self-terminating so doesn’t benefit from single-shot mode.

On-Screen Keyboard on iPad/iPhone
Because APPlicator Max appears on the iPad as a keyboard, the iPad automatically turns off the on-screen keyboard. This can cause difficulties in some Apps that require a typed input such as entering a user’s name. To overcome this, APPlicator Max allows you to show/hide the on-screen keyboard manually at any time. Simply press the QuickMediaTM button [L] briefly and the on-screen keyboard will be deployed. To turn it off again, press the QuickMediaTM button briefly once again. Note that function setting 21 (in Table 1) allows any switch to be configured to deploy the on-screen keyboard, empowering the user to do this themselves. Note that the iPad only allows the on-screen keyboard to be deployed when a text input box is selected.

Using Home functions with Apple Switch Control
The Home and Enter/Home settings (19 and 20 respectively in Table 1) are included to make APPlicator Max easier to use with Switch Control on all types of Apple devices (iPad, iPhone, Mac, and TV). Home is exactly equivalent to pressing the Home button on an iPad or swiping an app upwards on iPads that don’t have a Home button. Note that this setting can be used whether in Switch Control or not and does not need to be programmed within Switch Control. Enter/Home gives Enter if pressed briefly or Home after an extended press. This is extremely useful when combined with Auto Scanning since it allows a single switch to carry out virtually every task on the iPad. If you set a socket to be Enter/Home while the socket is also set to switch from device to device on a long press, the latter takes priority. It is best to avoid this combination.

To get the best experience from this switch when using it in Switch Control, program Enter (brief press) to Select Item in the Settings Accessibility Switch Control Switches menu. Be sure to use a brief press when the device asks you to activate your external switch and then set it to Select Item. There is no need to set a function for Home (long press) since this is a built-in function. Once set up in this way, a brief press of the switch allows you to control Auto Scanning and select an item whereas a long press allows you to quit back to the home screen.

Single-Shot mode
Single-shot mode allows each switch to output a single keystroke no matter how long it remains pressed. This is useful for users who find it difficult to remove their hands from a switch quickly enough to prevent multiple keystrokes from being sent to the device. It can prevent multiple instances of functions and is particularly useful with media functions such as Skip Forward and Skip Back.
Single-shot functionality may be set on each socket of each Device/Level individually. Press and hold the Mode button (E) and after a few seconds the first socket LED lights for the current Device/Level and on the LED display you will see either one bar (single-shot) or three bars (repeating)- see Figure 1. To change the setting, press Up or Down [F, G]. To move to the next socket, press the Mode button briefly. A further press of the Mode button once socket 4 LED is lit moves the display to socket 1 on the next Device/Level. Once you have made all the settings you need, simply wait until the LEDs are extinguished and the settings saved. All channels are repeating by default.

Forget All Devices
Once a device is connected to a particular slot, that slot will always be included when scanning between devices using the Next Device/Level Socket [P] or a long press on one of the other sockets [A]. If you move your APPlicator Max to a new configuration or change your devices, you may need to clear the connections on every slot. This can be achieved by pressing and holding both QuickMedia and Device buttons [L, M] until all the Device/Level LEDs [D] flash simultaneously. After a short while, Device LED 1 will flash slowly to indicate that new connections can be made. Note that ‘forgetting all’ does not erase the connection information at the device end and it is important to do so before making new connections. Please refer to the settings on the device and choose to forget or delete any connections with APPlicator Max.

Automatic Sleep Mode
To conserve battery life, APPlicator Max automatically enters a low-power sleep mode if it remains unused for 30 minutes. Pressing any switch or any button on the unit instantly wakes it again. While asleep, the connection to your currently selected device is lost but is automatically re-established within a few seconds of wake-up. If the unit remains unpaired on the current slot for more than 5 minutes, it will also enter low-power sleep mode. Press any button or switch to wake the unit.

Manual Power Off
When APPlicator Max is being moved around, especially with switches still plugged in, it is advisable to manually power it down to prevent switch presses during transit from repeatedly waking up the unit and using up the battery charge. To power the unit down, press and hold the Power button [K] until ‘Pd’ appears on the display, and then release. Pressing switches will no longer wake the unit. To wake it up and automatically reconnect to your chosen device, press the Power button [K].

Battery Life and Battery Charging
A fully charged battery gives approximately 30 hours of use. When the battery is getting low, the Charging LED (H) begins to blink red. This is an indication that you should charge the battery soon. Plug the charging cable into the charging socket [N] and then into any USB socket. While charging, the Charging LED illuminates green. Once charging is complete (a matter of 2-3 hours if fully discharged) the charging LED will be extinguished. You can then unplug the cable. Note that you can carry on using APPlicator Max while it is charging. Should you mislay the charging cable, replacements can be purchased by asking your local electrical retailer for a camera connection lead. It has a USB type A plug at one end and either a mini-USB or USB-C plug at the other, depending which model you have. Please note that APPlicator Max plugs into a computer USB port for charging purposes only – it does not give a functional connection this way.

Maintenance

Your APPlicator Max has no user-serviceable parts. If repair becomes necessary, the unit should be returned to Pretorian Technologies or an authorized distributor. APPlicator Max contains a lithium-ion battery that isn’t user-replaceable. Although the unit uses the very latest battery technology, it may eventually need to be replaced. Please return the unit to Pretorian Technologies for such replacement. The disposal of batteries is often subject to local laws. Please consult your local authorities for information relating to your locale. Never dispose of a battery in a fire.

Troubleshooting

If your APPlicator Max doesn’t operate correctly, please use the following guide to determine the cause. If, after following this guide, your unit still doesn’t operate, please contact your supplier before returning it.

Warranty
Your APPlicator Max is warranted for two years against defects in manufacture and component failure. The unit is designed for domestic, educational, and a limited range of medical applications. Use outside these areas will invalidate the warranty. Unauthorized repair or modification, mechanical abuse, or immersion in any liquid or connection to incompatible equipment will also invalidate the warranty.

The Apple, Android, Mac, and Chromebook brand names are used for identification purposes only, are the property of their respective owners, and are acknowledged Unit 37 Corringham Road Industrial Estate
Gainsborough, Lincolnshire DN21 1QB UK Tel +44 (0) 1427 678990 Fax +44 (0) 1427 678992 European Healthcare & Device Solutions Ltd. Stratton House, Bishopstown Road, Cork T12 Y9TC. Republic of Ireland (Do not use this address for correspondence with Pretorian.

References

• Pretorian Technologies | Assistive Technology UK

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