Overview and comparison

These two devices serve a very similar purpose but the first will allow switch operation of a mains operated device and the second of a battery operated device.

The PowerLink is mains operated and offers one mains socket into which any 240v device can be plugged. There is a 3.5mm jack socket for a switch and an infra-red receiver for use with the AirLink remote switch.

The PowerLink offers four modes of control:

• Direct Mode keeps the device turned on whilst the switch is pressed. This can be used with a "reward" toy to encourage the user to hold down the switch and to teach cause and effect.
• Timed seconds Mode enables the user to select a running time of between one and 60 seconds duration. This, too, can be used to encourage a student to press the switch again to receive the reward or with a device which has to run for a certain short length of time, such as a whisk or mixer.
• Timed minutes Mode enables the user to select a longer running time of between 1 and 60 minutes. This Mode might be used for one item on a CD or tape or for a radio programme. It could also be used when a longer running time is need for a piece of kitchen equipment or other electrical device such as a bedside light at night.
• Latch Mode enables the user to switch on a device. A second press of the switch will turn it off. This offers the user a standard method of switching a device on or off. It can be used with any electrical household item, electrical toy or other electrical equipment.

The Toy Control Box has some interesting and very useful features. It is powered by a standard 9v battery and has similar functions to the AbleNet PowerLink. It has the Direct, Timed and Latch Modes, as described above, but there the similarities end. Although the Toy Control Box can only be used with battery operated toys, it can be used with two switches operating each of two toys. This means that two children can use the box to control, or race, two toys at the same time. There is a further, additional Mode which allows one switch to be used to switch a toy or device on, and the other to switch it off.

Whilst the Toy Control Box can be used for simple cause and effect activities like the PowerLink, its four inputs and twin outputs are its main strengths. These additional features allow for the sharing, turn taking aspects of classroom interaction which are so important in the teaching and learning of children with severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties.

Both of these devices provide different but excellent ways of accessing mains and battery powered devices and toys for children and adults who are switch users.