Ian Explains: How to Make a Wired Switch Wireless

Do you have a wired switch that works well for someone you support, but find the cable gets in the way? Perhaps it tangles on the desk, limits where they can sit or makes it awkward to pass the switch around a group.

Hello, I’m Ian from Inclusive Technology. In this guide, I’ll show you how to use an it-Send or it-Send Pro with an it-Receive to make your existing wired switch work wirelessly with a computer.

Finding a switch that suits someone can take time. Once you have one that is comfortable and easy for them to activate, you may want to keep using it.

Making the connection wireless lets you keep that familiar switch while giving you more choice about where and how it is used.

It can be particularly useful when you want to:

• Sit further from the screen. Position the person comfortably when using a computer connected to a large screen.
• Manage trailing cables. Keep the switch and transmitter close to the person, without a cable stretching back to the computer.
• Share a switch during group activities. Pass the switch and transmitter between pupils for turn taking or cooperative play.

The switch’s own cable is still used to connect it to the transmitter. It is the connection between the transmitter and the computer’s receiver that becomes wireless.

Alongside your wired switch with a standard 3.5mm jack plug, you’ll need a transmitter and a receiver.

it-Send: for one wired switch

The it-Send is a wireless transmitter for a single wired switch. Plug your switch into it, then pair it with the receiver.

It is a straightforward option if you want to keep using one familiar switch with more flexibility.

The it-Send Pro lets you connect up to six wired switches with 3.5mm jack plugs.

Choose this option if you need more than one switch, such as two switches for a compatible activity, or a setup with several switch inputs.

The it-Receive is the wireless receiver and computer interface. It plugs into your computer’s USB port and receives signals from the paired transmitter.

You need an it-Receive with either transmitter for the computer setup shown in my video.

1. Connect your switch. Plug its 3.5mm jack into the it-Send or it-Send Pro. Both transmitters require two AAA batteries.
2. Connect the receiver. Plug the it-Receive into a USB port on your computer.
3. Pair the devices. Follow the pairing instructions supplied with your transmitter and receiver.
4. Choose the switch function. Set the switch mode to match the input your software needs.
5. Try your activity. Open your switch-accessible software and check that activating the switch gives the expected response.

The devices have an operating range of up to 10 metres, giving you more flexibility to position the switch around the room.

One simple way to use this setup is with a shared activity on a large screen.

Pass the switch and transmitter to each pupil in turn. Give them time to activate it and see what happens, then pass it to the next person. You can keep using the switch the group knows, with more freedom to move it between people.

You can also keep the switch in a comfortable position for one person while moving the computer further away. Start with an activity they enjoy and check that the switch remains easy to reach and activate.

If you’re unsure which transmitter to choose or whether this setup will suit your switch and software, we’re happy to help.

I offer 1-1 product demonstrations where we can talk through what you are trying to achieve, who you are supporting, and which products may work best. 

Alternatively, if you have any questions, get in touch with us - we’re here to help.