Introduction video
about
The G-Click is a special switch that uses a minature solid state gyroscope. It offers zero-force switch operation by detecting tiny amounts of tilt, and auto compensates for any accidental position changes from the user.
It is designed to work all day without adjustments from a carer.
The gyro is housed in a small plastic capsule that is often mounted on the user on any convenient part of the body.
Outputs
The G-Click will send a keyboard character or mouse click to a PC/tablet/phone*. This can be used by assistive technology software of your choice. * If an Apple product must have USB-C
The G-Click also has a relay output. This allows the G-Click to be used like any other 3.5mm mechanical switch.
Limitations: As the G-Click is based on a gyroscope it is unsuitable for use whilst you are moving in a vehicle or moving in a wheelchair
quick info
Videos:
Tutorials...
G-Click Home: Using a G-Click | Buying
Tutorial video 1
basics
Tutorial video 2
Practical use
What are the Advantages of Using a Gyroscope as a Switch?
1 Auto Positioning
The first advantage is that a gyro does not need to use any fixed reference ie with a regular switch on a table the switch is really using the table as its reference point to detect a finger pressing down towards that table. If that switch was mounted say on the ceiling the switch detects you pressing from below again towards its reference of the ceiling.
This is so fundamental you would not even think about it but with the G-Click when the device is activated it takes its references not from a fixed physical object like a table, but from where it finds itself in free space. That position in space is its reference and it detects tiny tilt movements away from that position. This method allows the G-Click automatically reposition if it detects a problem.
When a G-Click sensor is attached to the person – say on the back of a finger, and the user's hand is repositioned accidentally by a carer. The G-Click will sense that abnormal repositioning, it will then alarm that it is recalibrating. This takes about three seconds (after it has stopped being moved) and it is now good to go again in its new position.
With a conventional switch, the user's finger would need to be carefully repositioned by the carer on to the switch again sometimes several times a day.
2 The Return to Off Challenge
A typical challenge with severely compromised movement is the ability to press a lightweight switch but the inability to easily release that switch again and it can remain pressed. This being due to the lack of strength to overcome the natural friction or weight of the users body part.
With a finger it may be that the user can move a conventional light force switch from a OFF position to the ON position but cannot reliably get back to the OFF position . With the G-Click it does not matter as the G-Click triggers not at a precise ON position rather it detects the tiny acceleration away from its current position in the (selected) ON direction.
Ther is no problem if the orginal OFF position is not returned to, so long as the users repeatable movements (tiny accelerations) are in the same general direction.
3 Spasm Detection
(Rev 2 firmware)
Spasm (Dystonia) detection can be used with users that have episodes of spasmodic movements between longer periods of stable but limited movement. The G-Click with this feature enabled will disable all outputs for a few seconds indicating that a spasm has occurred by five bright white leds. After the spasm subsides the G-Click will automatically recalibrate to its new position and then continue as normal.
See the Tutorial 3 video above for more information on spasm detection/
Tutorial video 3
spasm detection
3D Print your own spares
Occasionally we have had reports of breakages of the clip holder, often due to failing to slide the G-Click sensor, as snapping it into the clip is not correct. If you have the facility to 3D print , the STL file can be downloaded below. We recommend a good quality PLA.
G_Click Clip STL file TIP: Print this clip with 100% infill
G-Click Spacer for clip STL file