Rehabilitation Counselor
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Home
Accessible Entertainment
Adaptive Driving
Adaptive Gardening
Adaptive sports
Assistive Technology Review
Attendant Care Pa
Bookmarks
Computer Access
Service Dogs
Resources
About Us
Contact Us
Site Map
A great review of a head mouse Smart Nav3 AT   from Ruth Harrigan.
 
SMART NAV 3 AT: Head Cursor System

This head cursor system is fairly low priced and looks like something out of Star Wars. I give it four out of five stars for ease of use, the product’s website, durability and overall cool factor. As a person with quadriplegia, I use this head cursor every day on my Windows XP laptop and will be adding software for my Mac. (Software for Mac users is available from RJ Cooper at an additional cost of $169 to $199, depending on the model you buy.)

This head cursor comes in two models and is available at natural point. The AT version costs $399 and includes a dwelling feature. (The EG version without dwelling costs $299.) This is a very competitive price based on other available head cursors, although this product does require you to wear a reflective dot. Both models can be used with a switch for clicking and a Y cable is included for switches. Unless you want to click with the head cursor, you can save a hundred dollars by going with the EG version.

So how does it work? A USB camera (included) hooks onto your monitor or laptop. The small reflector dots can be put on your forehead, glasses or a cap to act as a sensor to the camera. Next, you install the software and this is where I dropped one star off my rating.. I’d definitely suggest doing a system restore before trying to install the software. The Smart NAV 3 AT came with a CD to install the software. When I did that and tried to connect the camera, my computer wouldn’t recognize the camera. I had to do a system restore, go to their website, download their latest version of software before my computer would recognize the camera as a hardware device. You’ll know it’s working when you see a green light on the camera.

The first thing you’ll notice is that moving your head moves the cursor rapidly in all directions. You’ll need to adjust this by going into the software program (a small screen that shows up) and adjusting the speed setting and other preferences. I used the default slow settings at first. I recommend practicing with some easy one switch games online.

Because I can’t use a regular keyboard, I use the dwelling feature on the AT version to type on an onscreen keyboard. The AT version is bundled with Click n Type software, an onscreen keyboard. I point the cursor at a key on the onscreen keyboard and after a few seconds go by (you can program in how long you want the dwell to take), the key is pressed down for me. I also use the dwell feature to double click to open programs and perform all single and double click, as well as drag features, within programs. So far this feature has worked in every program I’ve used, with the exception of a few games.

This head cursor is remarkably accurate. I recommend it to anyone looking for a hands- free solution to totally control their computer at a low cost — especially if a high tech cool factor appeals to you.
 
GO KEYLESS
I ordered and received a Remote Entry Deadbolt Lock manufactured by Morning.  I ordered this lock after discussing my needs with a representative from Go keyless.com .  I believe this lock would be the easiest to operate for any individual with dexterity or mobility impairments. 
 
Cost $125.00 each                 30ft radiofrequency deadbolt model
 
This lock is available in two different finishes: polished brass or satin nickel.  Along with the lock I received two keyfobs and two traditional keys.  Additional keyfobs are available for $12.50 .  The lock requires four AA batteries which are not included.  The warranty is lifetime on the finish and mechanical components, electronics are warranted for one year.  Plus Go keyless.com offers a30 day moneyback guarantee !  Live chat is available Monday through Friday 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Eastern time for customers requiring assistance. 
 
I made arrangements to have the lock professionally installed by a local locksmith.This proved to be an unnecessary expense, I believe any individual who is comfortable with a screwdriver and basic home repairs could replace their existing deadbolt with this model from go keyless.com . 
 
After following the instructions and installing four double AA batteries I was all set to try out my new deadbolt.  I lightly pressed the activation button on the  keyfob remote and like magic the deadbolt locked.  I could now independently control the test door.  The lock activated smoothly each time I pressed the remote, including as far away as 30 ft. 
 
This keyless entry enables almost anyone to independently control the security of their home.  This lock is rated for residential use, and has an excellent warranty.  I would recommend using this lock to anyone with mobility or dexterity issues or to anyone with their hands filled with groceries.  Go keyless.com offers many models of keyless locks.  They're knowledgeable and professional staff are available to discuss which model may work best for you.
 
 
 
Revolabs xTag USB Wireless Microphone

 


 

I will be reviewing and exclusively using  this microphone and reporting back very soon!  Check back regularly and don't miss the final report.
 
I contacted Revolabs whose representatives were extremely helpful in obtaining the X Tag USB Wireless Microphone.  The microphone arrived very quickly and I was surprised at how small and stylish the microphone was.  As you can see from the above photo a great deal of thought was put into the design of this microphone.
 
The package contained:
The wireless microphone, which has a lapel clip attached to the back and a removable lanyard if the user prefers to wear the microphone around his or her neck.
A earpiece that comfortably fits over the ear, similar to a Bluetooth.The earpiece plugs into the microphone. 
The base / charging dock.
A USB connection.

 

Price $ 249.00

 

 I charged the  microphone for 24 hours before the initial use,  although it is not necessary.  This microphone is extremely easy to set up for charging.  One USB cable, and simply set the microphone on the charging base.  The microphone and charging base flash red indicating the unit is charging.

 

Day One
After waiting patiently for 24 hours I was able to test the capabilities of Revolabs X Tag Wireless microphone. I booted up Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9.0 and removed the wireless microphone from the charging base. As instructed I hit the one and only button on the wireless microphone to unmute the microphone and presto a flashing green light.


I gave the initial command to Dragon “wake up” and I was in business. I have been a longtime Dragon user since my injury in 1999 and have used a lot of different microphones. I can honestly say that out-of-the-box this clip on microphone gave me the best recognition so far. No headset to adjust, no making sure the microphone is exactly in the corner of your mouth, etc.  The microphone easily clips to your lapel, possibly too easy because I inadvertently wore the microphone to the hospital this week.


Revolabs created a easy to use plug-and-play wireless microphone. Over the next few weeks I will be running  this microphone  thru it's paces and seeing if it meets  my computer needs. There are several programs and situations that I would like to try using this microphone in. Stay logged in!


My initial impressions are that Revolabs have hit one out of the park, time will tell.

 

Day Two

I tested the XTag eight hour talk time and sure enough the people at Revolabs lived up to their claim.  I started using the microphone at 8 a.m. and finally lost power sometime after 4 p.m. if I was using this microphone for work I would simply recharge it at lunchtime.  By plugging the charger/base into a -power USB hub (Belkin) I am able to charge the microphone without having my laptop on.

 

Day Three

As mentioned earlier the earpiece fits over the ear similar to a Bluetooth headset, and plugs into the microphone.  I recently downloaded Skype an wanted to try making phone calls using a wireless microphone.  The XTag performed flawlessly, I was able to carry on a conversation over Skype from across the room from my laptop.  Individuals thought I was calling from a landline, and I had no problem hearing them.

 

The Second Week

I used the XTag all week for creating and replying to e-mails, making phone calls over Skype and all my dictation needs.  I continued to have excellent recognition while using Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9.0. I wanted to further test the XTag by trying it with additional speech recognition software.  I downloaded and installed free recognition software (Microsoft speech recognition) and continued to receive excellent recognition, leading me to believe it's more the microphone than a particular speech recognition software. 

 

The Final Report

I really could not be happier with the performance I received from Revolabs XTag wireless microphone.  Ordering the microphone was just as easy as using the product itself.    The microphone arrived quickly  and was very easy to use.The wireless USB simply plugs into your computer, one-button operation (unmute) and eight hour talk time.  I was no longer tethered to my computer and the microphone was extremely comfortable to wear (Lapel clip or lanyard).   Headset microphones have a tendency to make my ears hurt, and the wires make it difficult to weight shift.  If you're looking for a microphone for all-around performance and voice-recognition I recommend you give Revolabs a call, I am glad I did.