AbleNet 10000053 Blue2 Bluetooth Accessibility Switch Instruction Manual
- June 1, 2024
- AbleNet
Table of Contents
Instructions For Use
Blue 2 FT
Issue Date: June 30, 2023
Revision: 1.0
Model: 10000053
UDID: 00850011150276
INTENDED PURPOSE
For individuals who are unable to use a computer, tablet computer, or
smartphone with a typical Human Interface Device (HID), Blue2 FT provides a
way for them to use these devices. This includes computer or tablet computer-
based speech-generating devices.
CLINICAL BENEFITS OF THE DEVICE
Allows patients to access technology when they would not have the motor or
cognitive skills to operate another device.
PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS AND INFORMATION FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL
Switch Type: Electronic
Switches: 2
Activation Type: Touch
Activation Force: 0-oz / 0-og
Activation Surface: 2.5-in / 63.5-mm diameter circle
External Switch Input: (2) 3.5-mm TS jacks
Connection: Bluetooth
Frequency: 2.4 Ghz
Battery: Li-ion rechargeable
Battery Charging Jack: USB C
Product Dimensions: 6.2-in L x 2.7-in W x 1.05-in H / 157.5-mm L x 68.6-mm W x
26.7-mm H
Product Weight: 5.7-oz / 158-g
Mounting Inserts: Qty 2
6-32 Thread
.25-in / 6.4-mm depth
3.54-in / 90-mm center distance apart
Suitable Operating Systems: Windows 11, macOS Ventura, iPadOS 16, iOS 16,
ChromeOS
Material: Housing – ABS Plastic
Non-Skid Feet – Silicone
Suggested Operating Environment:
Ambient Temperature Range: 32°F – 95°F (0°C – 35°C)
Humidity: 10% – 95% (no condensation on device)
Suggested Transportation and Storage:
Ambient Temperature Range: 32°F – 104°F (0°C – 40°C)
Humidity: 10% – 95% (no condensation on the device)
RISKS, WARNINGS, AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS
Blue2 FT is neither waterproof nor completely water resistant. Do not immerse
Blue2 FT in water or any other liquid. Make sure that no liquids are spilled
on Blue2 FT.
Blue 2 FT is not recommended to be used as access to a call system.
Do not place threaded screw more than .5-in / 12-mm into housing. Damage to
Blue 2 FT is likely to occur.
DEVICE OVERVIEW
1 | FeatherTouch Switch Top (S1) |
---|---|
2 | FeatherTouch Switch Top (S2) |
3 | Visual Feedback Lights |
4 | Status Indicator Light |
5 | Keyboard Commands |
6 | Keyboard Command Mode Switch |
---|---|
7 | Visual Feedback Switch |
8 | Auditory Feedback Switch |
9 | Blue2 FT On/Off Switch |
10 | Threaded Inserts For Mounting |
11 | USB C Charging Jack |
---|
12 | External Switch Jack (S1) |
---|---|
13 | External Switch Jack (S2) |
14 | Bluetooth Pairing Button |
15 | Keyboard Eject Button |
USE INSTRUCTIONS
Compatibility
Blue2 FT will connect to most devices that support a Bluetooth keyboard. A
switch control software on the device you are trying to control is required
and must be compatible with the keyboard commands of Space, Enter, 1, 2, 3, or
4.
First Time Use
-
Turn your device on and go to its Bluetooth settings to turn Bluetooth on.
-
Turn Blue2 FT on. When Blue2 FT is turned on for the first time, the Status Indicator Light will flash blue on and off for approximately one minute indicating that Blue2 FT is in pairing mode.
To restart pairing mode touch either switch top. -
In your device’s Bluetooth settings, select BLUE2 FT XXXXX (X’s denote Blue2 FT’s serial number). If more than one Blue2 FT is available, the serial number of your Blue2 FT is located on the bottom of the Blue2 FT.
-
The Status Indicator Light will remain solid blue for approximately three seconds after your Blue2 FT has successfully paired with your device.
a. The first time you use Blue2 FT the blue switch top (S1) is configured to use the keyboard command Space and the yellow switch top (S2) is configured to use the keyboard command Enter. Both keyboard commands can be changed.
b. After 20 minutes of non-use, Blue2 FT will go to sleep. To wake up, touch either switch top. -
Configure switch control settings on your device.
Continuously activating either switch top will continuously send the same keyboard command to your device unless your switch control software is configured to behave differently.
Change Keyboard Command Used When a Switch is Activated
By default, Blue2 FT will use the keyboard command of Space when the blue
switch top (S1) is activated and Enter when the yellow switch top (S2) is
activated. Both switches can be changed to use the keyboard commands Space,
Enter, 1, 2, 3, or 4.
To change the keyboard command a switch uses:
- Turn Blue2 FT on.
- Move the Keyboard Command Mode Switch to the on position. The background of the Keyboard Command Mode Switch will turn green when turned on.
- Activate the switch top on Blue2 FT or a wired switch plugged into Blue2 FT to select a new keyboard command.
- Move the Keyboard Command Mode Switch into the off position to save the keyboard command you selected. The background of the Keyboard Command Mode Switch will turn red when turned off.
Pair Blue2 FT With a New Device
Blue2 FT may only be paired with one device at a time. To pair with a new
device, hold the Bluetooth Pairing Button down for approximately 10 seconds.
The Status Indicator Light will flash blue on and off for approximately one
minute indicating that Blue2 FT is in pairing mode. To restart pairing mode
touch either switch top.
Control Visual or Auditory Feedback
By default, when a FeatherTouch switch top on Blue2 FT is activated, auditory
and visual feedback are also activated. Auditory and visual feedback can be
turned off or on by using the Visual Feedback Switch or Auditory Feedback
Switch on Blue2 FT. The background of the switch will turn green when on and
turn red when off.
Use a Wired Accessibility Switch With Blue2 FT
One or two wired accessibility switches can be used with Blue2 FT by plugging
them into the S1 or S2 jack on Blue2 FT. When a wired accessibility switch is
plugged into Blue2 FT, the FeatherTouch Switch Tops and Visual Feedback Lights
are deactivated. The Auditory Feedback will remain active when a wired
accessibility switch is used with Blue2 FT.
Wired accessibility switches must use a 3.5-mm / 1/8-in TS plug.
Keyboard Eject
To force an onscreen keyboard to display on your device, press the Keyboard
Eject Button on Blue2 FT.
To hide the onscreen keyboard on your device, press the Keyboard Eject Button
on Blue2 FT again.
Charge Blue2 FT
When Blue2 FT’s battery is low (approximately 5% remaining), the Status
Indicator Light will double flash red every second.
To charge your Blue2 FT, plug a USB C cable into the USB C Charging Jack.
Connect the other end of the USB C charging cable to an appropriate AC
adapter.
When charging, the Status Indicator Light will flash red on and off. When
fully charged, the Status Indicator Light will remain solid red as long as
Blue2 FT is plugged into an AC adapter.
Mounting
Connect with 6-32 screws. Do not place threaded screw more than .5-in / 12-mm
into housing. For screw length – Take thickness of material you are attaching
Blue2 FT and add 0.25-in / 6.4-mm.
PREPARATORY TREATMENT
Cleaning and disinfecting your AbleNet assistive technology devices between
uses is essential to the health and safety of the user. To help fight against
the spread of germs, here are some helpful steps to cleaning and disinfecting
your AbleNet device.
Always be sure to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment such as
protective gloves and safety glasses.
Cleaning Your Device
Before disinfecting your device, remove any dirt or debris that may be on the
device.
-
Turn the device off and remove the batteries.
1. Remove any large chunks, visible heavy dirt, or debris that is attached to the device. -
Wipe down the device with cleaning wipes.
-
Use a cotton swab soaked with cleaner to get into any tight areas that were not accessible with the cleaning wipes.
-
Let the device completely dry.
Disinfect Your Device
Now that the device is clean, it is time to disinfect it. Changing protective
gloves may be required before disinfecting the device to ensure no dirt or
debris is transferred back to the device.
- Make sure the device is still turned off and that the batteries are removed.
- Use a clean towel or wipes with Virucidal, Bactericidal, Pseudomonacidal, Tuberculocidal, or Fungicidal to disinfect the surfaces of the device. It is important to note that these chemicals only disinfect when they are wet and should be left wet on the device for at least 4-minutes.
- Use a cotton swab soaked with Virucidal, Bactericidal, Pseudomonacidal, Tuberculocidal, or Fungicidal to disinfect the tight areas that were not accessible with the towel or wipes. Make sure the chemical stays wet on the device for at least 4-minutes.
- Let the device air-dry entirely before using it.
- If your device has a touch screen, use a liquid glass cleaner to remove any smudges or smears before using.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Connection Verification
To verify if Blue2 FT is properly connected to your device:
- Open the Bluetooth settings on your device and make sure the device called BLUE2 FT XXXXX (X’s denote Blue2 FT’s serial number) is shown as connected.
- Open any application on your device that allows you to type with a keyboard. Activate the typing cursor in the application, then activate the blue (S1) and yellow (S2) switch tops on Blue2 FT. If you see the keyboard commands of Space, Enter, 1, 2, 3, or 4 appear, Blue2 FT is connected and functioning correctly.
Blue2 FT is Non-Responsive
When turned on, if Blue2 FT does not respond when you activate the blue (S1)
and yellow (S2) switch tops:
- Make sure Blue2 FT’s On/Off Switch is in the on position. The background of the On/Off Switch will display green when in the on position.
- Make sure the Auditory Feedback Switch and Visual Feedback Switch are in the on position. The background of both will display green when in the on position.
- Charge the battery of your Blue2 FT.
Bluetooth Pairing
If Blue2 FT does not show up on your device as a device that can be paired
with, it may already be paired with another device or the Bluetooth pairing
mode may have timed out. Hold the Bluetooth Pairing Button down for
approximately 10-seconds until the indicator light begins flashing blue.
Switch Control Software Not Responding
If your switch control software is not responding when you activate the blue
(S1) and yellow (S2) switch tops on Blue2 FT, verify that your switch control
software is configured to respond to the keyboard commands that Blue2 FT is
set to.
PREVENTATIVE AND REGULAR MAINTENANCE
Clean the Blue2 if necessary. No scheduled maintenance is required.
REUSABLE
Blue2 FT should be sent back to the manufacturer for cleaning, testing and refurbishment before reuse with another patient.
DEVICES USED TOGETHER WITH
Blue 2 FT can be used with any computer or tablet with Bluetooth capability and using the following operating systems:
- Windows 11
- macOS Ventura
- iPadOS 16
- iOS 16,
- ChromeOS
PROPER DISPOSAL
Blue2 FT contains a lithium-ion battery and electronic components and should
not be disposed of in your normal home or business waste collection. Blue2 FT
should be disposed of with a licensed electronics recycler that accepts
lithium-ion batteries.
WHEN TO CONTACT A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL
If you have difficulty accessing the switches or need assistance with product
placement.
Change in your condition.
NOTICE OF SERIOUS INCIDENT
Notice – If any serious incident has occurred while using this device, seek
medical attention and then – please report to AbleNet, Inc and your competent
authority of the member state in which you are in.
REGULATORY INFORMATION:
FCC Title 47 Part 15b
Instructions for Use Information
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult AbleNet for help.