'Solo Act' is an amazing E.C.U. that is easy to use and can promote independence. Read on!
What is an ECU?
Yes... another technological Buzz word to add to your vocabulary. But don't be afraid... ECU stands for "Environmental Control Unit", and it is simply a device, or system, that allows an individual to control many facets of their surroundings, or environment. ECU systems come in just a few different types. Some are "stand alone", which means that they are self-sufficient, or do not rely on another piece of equipment or system to function. Others do rely on other equipment, such as a Personal Computer to function as an ECU. ECU systems can be controlled by the user in a variety of ways. Some ECU systems are voice activated, and others are switch activated.
Solo Act is a stand alone, "switch activated" desktop Environmental Control System. It is essentially a home control system that allows a disabled individual to control Home Lighting & Appliances, Telephone Communications, Television, VCR, Cable Box, Stereo System, and more... from a single location. Solo Act is a menu driven system operated with a dual switch controller. The user responds to various menu choices and prompts on the L.C.D. Graphic Display. There are a variety of switch controllers that are compatible with the Solo Act, such as Sip & Puff type Switches, Chin Switches, Hand Controllers, and others. Solo Act features a large Graphic display that is very easy to read and visually appealing. It offers a wide viewing angle, and the cool fluorescent back lighting is very easy on the eyes. Unlike some other systems, Solo Act offers FULL control of ALL parameters and options to the user.Custom software and hardware are available to adapt the Solo Act to the most unusual needs of an individual.
Solo Act uses 3 specific technologies to control the users environment...
X-10 Technology – a data transmission technology
developed and patented by "X-10", whereby serial data
is transmitted into the homes existing A.C. wiring and distributed
throughout the home. A wide variety of X-10 "receiver modules"
are available and allow for control of home lighting, appliance
control, HVAC control and much more.
Infrared Technology — Solo Act incorporates
a built in infrared remote control processor that can control the
basic functions of the users Television, VCR, and Cable Box. In
addition to this built in I.R. Processor, Solo Act can be connected
to a Learning Remote Control Device via the RS232 port, which provides
additional capability. Solo Act’ built in infrared control
system is unique in that it can be setup by the user, without the
need for assistance. It is necessary for the supplied Infrared Emitter
to be installed so that it has a clear view of the TV equipment
before the user can set up the infrared control. Setup is accomplished
by selecting "Setup IR Control" from the configuration
menu, then specifying the device that you would like to set up,
i.e.; TV, VCR or Cable Box. The user may then scroll through a list
of "manufacturer brand names" and select the brand that
matches the equipment in question. Solo Act will begin programming
it's built in Infrared Controller with the first "manufacturers
code" for the selected device. After the programming sequence
is complete, Solo Act will send the Power On/Off command via the
Infrared Emitter. The user will be prompted to acknowledge the response
of the equipment. If the equipment did not respond, Solo Act will
continue to program the controller with the next code for the selected
device. Setup continues in this manner until the device responds,
or all manufacturer codes for the selected device have been tried.
Hardwired Technology - whereby various devices
can be "hardwired" to Solo Act's universal relay
control ports. This technology can be used to control numerous devices
such as: bed controls, nurse call systems, burglar alarm systems,
door access and entry systems, page turning devices, windows and
window blinds… and various other equipment. Solo Act's
Universal Control Ports provide eight (8) sets of relay contacts
that can be controlled from two different menu areas. These two
areas have been named "Control 1" & "Control
2". Each control area offers 4 menu items. The text that is
displayed as a menu item can be programmed by the user to read whatever
may be appropriate, up to 16 characters. Each menu item is directly
associated with one set of relay contacts. Three relay operating
modes are available, and can be programmed by the user, including
a "timed pulse mode". Solo Act supports six user definable
timers, four of which are used to govern system operation, that
may be associated with the "timed pulse mode" for any
given relay contact set. This unique "designed in" flexibility
allows for more control possibilities than most other ECU brands.
When you have a physical disability, voice recognition software can make working on a computer at the very least easier and in some cases POSSIBLE. The following software are the most frequently used and recommended, and information is easily found about them on the internet.