Videophone Accessories

If the person you care about spends a lot of time in a favourite armchair that’s near a wall, then Videophone is best mounted onto a small, low table placed between the chair and wall, and slightly in front of the chair. You might already have a suitable side table or coffee table that holds a telephone or lamp.

In this situation, the ideal table height is 50 cm, but anything from 40 cm to 60 cm could work. Taller tables need to be longer and wider to prevent the whole table from being knocked over. Meal trolleys are too tall and unstable.

For a table that’s 50 cm in height, we recommend a minimum table size of 40 x 50 cm (L x W) to allow room for the Videophone and its kickstand. A larger table size would be more sturdy and allows other items (such as a regular telephone, a lamp and a favourite book) to share the table top.

If the armchair is further from the wall, then a longer or wider table is preferred so that the power adaptor cable can run beneath the table without presenting a tripping hazard.

• Ikea has a range of small and sturdy side tables. We highly prefer the LACK side table.

If the armchair is 2 metres or more from the nearest wall, the power adaptor cable can be run from the wall to the table beneath the carpet or floor, and then up through a very small hole in the carpet.

While it’s possible to use a table on wheels to allow the table to be repositioned more easily, we don’t recommend it. If the user leans on the table, it could roll away, causing the user to lose balance. If the table is pulled away from the wall or chair, the exposed cable may present a tripping hazard.

Videophone can be mounted to any bracket, stand or monitor arm that has an industry-standard 100mm VESA mounting hole pattern. Adapters are available to suit other VESA sizes.

If the user is more mobile, is bed-ridden, or where a table-mount is unsuitable, Videophone can be mounted on a monitor arm to either

• the ceiling
• a wall beside, behind or in front of the user
• the bed frame
• the chair
• a floor stand

Although Videophone is not heavy, a heavy-duty monitor arm is recommended in case the user grabs, leans on or falls onto the Videophone or the monitor arm.

High-end monitor arms are cantilevered or use gas struts to enable effortless repositioning. However, it is generally preferable to lock the arm so that if the user leans onto the arm, it doesn’t move away and cause the user to lose balance.

The Videophone’s power adaptor cable can be run along the monitor arm to the attachment point and then to the nearest power outlet. Cable duct (tube) can be used along the wall or ceiling, or the cable can be run behind the wall / ceiling / floor, for a better presentation and to prevent a potential tripping hazard.

If possible, mount Videophone 1-3 metres from where it will be used (the chair or bed) so that the picture is large and easy to see and so that the camera will pick up the user’s head and shoulders.

• The Independent Living Centre (ILC) Computer And Document Stands page includes monitor arms, supports and stands (search for “Monitor arms”)
• Australian company TeleTidy makes stands, monitor arms, ceiling mounts, and — best of all — a range of bed-mounting systems with specific adaptors to suit practically any bed, including beds used commonly in Hospitals and Aged Care.

Independence is vital for self-esteem. If at all possible, choose a location for Videophone where the user can initiate and answer calls without the need to call for assistance.

Preferred Brackets

Wall-mount, 180-Degree, Tilt/Pan

Mounting Dream MD2463, available worldwide including Japan, Australia, UK, Europe and America. Watch how to install.

Monitor Stand, Single-arm, Gas-spring, 360-Degree, Tilt/Pan

North Bayou NB F80, available worldwide including USA, Australia, Japan, UK, and Europe. Watch how to install.

Monitor Stand, Free standing, for tall tables / benches / desks

Brateck BT-LDT02-T01, available in Australia. Enables 15-inch Videophone camera to point horizontally or slightly down.

Power outlet covers

Cleaners, children, staff, and some users may forget that Videophone should stay connected to the power outlet. A clear-plastic power outlet cover helps ensure power continuity.

• We recommend the Micky Ha Ha power outlet cover.
• North America: Try the LectraLock power outlet cover.

Power switch disable

Konnekt can disable the Videophone power switch to help prevent tampering. This approach works well with a shorter screen-saver time such as 20-30 seconds because if the screen is black, there is less likelihood that someone will want to power it off.

Power light

If the user sleeps in the same room as Videophone, or if the light is distracting, we recommend you use black tape to cover the small blue LED light.

Power stickers

Stickers with wording such as “Do NOT disconnect from power” can be placed near the power outlet, on the power adapter, and on the Videophone. Ask Konnekt, shop online, or print your own stickers.

The Konnekt Videophone has a resistive touchscreen. Unlike iPads/iPhones and 99% of mobile phones, tablets and computers (which use capacitive touchscreens), Videophone’s touchscreen does not require skin contact. Videophone will work with a gloved or bandaged hand, a prosthetic, through clothing, or using any type of pointing device or, in fact any object.

In addition, Videophone’s touchscreen buttons are very large so that they can be targeted and pressed easily – even using a long wand or a shaky hand.

Independence is vital for self esteem. Even if a nurse or assistant is available or on call, being able to self-operate Videophone provides the user with control over his/her environment. If Videophone cannot be operated easily by hand or is too far to reach easily, we highly recommend the use of a hand stick, mouth stick, head pointer, long stylus pen or telescopic wand.

Try the following site or search for pointers, telescopic wands or sticks:

• The Independent Living Centre (ILC) Head Controls page includes not only head pointers but also mouth sticks and hand sticks.

We work with Occupational Therapists to make your face-to-face calls as simple as possible!

Some users may be unable to reach or to press the Videophone touchscreen, even using a pointer. This may be either due to a disability or because it is not practical to mount Videophone close enough to the favourite chair, bed or wheelchair. This is sometimes the case in an aged care facility.

The Videophone includes USB ports, enabling the use of an external mouse, joystick, or almost any compatible device that allows for movement of a cursor across the screen.

Try the following site:

• The Independent Living Centre (ILC) Mouse and Joysticks page features a range of devices for those with limited movement, including trackpads, trackballs, tablets, foot mouse, air mouse, palm switches, head-operated devices and wheelchair joystick rings

Wired vs wireless?

• Wireless mouse devices have greater range, greater flexibility, do not create a tripping hazard, can be tethered to a wheelchair or movable table, or can be locked away when not in use.
• Wired mouse devices do not depend on batteries and may be less likely to be misplaced, removed or stolen. We recommend the use of a cable clamp for the mouse cord to help prevent damage to the Videophone USB port and to help prevent the Videophone from being knocked over or pulled from its mount. We also recommend the use of cable duct (tube) for long mouse cords to keep the cord tidy and help prevent tripping. Our qualified installers can help.

Independence is vital for self esteem so if Videophone simply must be mounted where it is out of easy reach, or if the user is unable to operate the touchscreen, then a suitable mouse device is ideal.

Some users may not have the mobility to reach the Videophone screen or the dexterity to use a mouse or pointing device. This is sometimes the case for those who are bed-ridden or chair-bound.

Konnekt can configure Videophone with an access switch interface that allows the use of one or more switches or buttons to

• Call a caregiver, support worker, family member, friend, help number, or up to 5 people in sequence
• Answer an incoming call (in case auto-answer has not been configured)
• Hang up (end a call)

Standard access switches / buttons are connected using a 3.5mm connector (the same type used for 3.5mm mono audio plugs and sockets).

See these web pages for ideas:

• The Independent Living Centre (ILC) Mechanical Switches page includes simple mechanical buttons that can be operated with ease.
• ILC’s Switch Products page illustrates over 100 switches. Look for those that are terminated in a 3.5mm connector.
• The ILC Switches page shows a wider range of switche type.
• ILC Wireless Switches page lists switches that work over a wireless link.
• See ILC’s Switch Accessories page for more ideas.

Wired vs wireless?

• Wireless access switches have greater range, greater flexibility, do not create a tripping hazard, can be tethered to a desk, wheelchair or bed frame, or can be locked away when not in use. There’s less likelihood in getting cables tangled up. However, they do require batteries.
• Wired access switches do not depend on batteries and may be less likely to be misplaced or removed. We suggest the use of a cable clamp for the access switch cord to help prevent damage to the Videophone and to help prevent the Videophone from being pulled from its mount. We also recommend the use of cable duct (tube) for long switch cords to keep the cord tidy and help prevent tripping.

Independence is important for self confidence and mental health so if Videophone has to be mounted out of reach, or if the user cannot operate the touchscreen, an access switch could be the right solution.

Sound device types

Videophone and Captioning Videophone can be used with:

• External speakers, including powered external spakers
• Headphones and earphones / earbuds
• External microphones (for sound input)
• Headsets, and earphones / earbuds that include microphones
• A handset / handpiece.

Benefits

Videophone works great without any of these sound devices. Hands-free communication is more natural, less tiring, and enables you to walk around the room. However, an external sound device can help in these situations:

• More volume is required – either to hear Videophone ringing from a distance, or to help compensate for a hearing impairment.
• Greater clarity is required. A speaker that’s close to your ear and a microphone that’s close to your mouth can help block or mask background noise, and reduce the effects of room accoustics.
• Privacy is important. In a shared room or office space, it’s practical and polite to use a handset or headset.
• Habits are hard to change. Some people prefer to hold a handset because they’ve always used a phone that way.

Connection

Videophone has 3 connector types that can be used for audio:

3.5mm (stereo) sound output, also known as speaker socket or speaker jack. If you plug a speaker or headphones into this socket, it completely disables the twin internal speakers, and all sound output (ringing and voice) will be directed to your external sound device.

Videophone’s 3.5mm sound output connector is also known as TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) because the tip and ring carry the left and right sound signals while the outer sleeve is the ground return. Most computers use TRS sound sockets, but most mobile phones / tablets and some newer laptops use TRRS sockets, which also carry the microphone input on a second ‘ring’ on the connector. If you want to use your mobile phone’s headset or earbuds, they will likely require an adapter. Be warned: Low-cost adapters can be troublesome. 

Many external speakers include a volume-boosting amplifier that requires power – either from a plug-pack that draws power from a power outlet, or from a USB power source.

3.5mm sound input, also known as microphone socket. If you plug a microphone into this socket, it completely disables the internal microphone (located at the top-centre of the frame).

Users with a very soft voice in a noisy environment who want to remain “hands-free” may benefit from a desktop microphone positioned closer to the face.

USB socket. Videophone has two USB sockets on the left side and two along the rear base. The USB socket can be used in one of two ways: To power an external speaker, or as the sound output for voice. It is compatible with most (wired) USB speakers, headphones, earphones / earbuds, headsets and microphones. Note, however, that it is not compatible with most wireless USB sound devices that use a USB ‘dongle’ transmitter to send sound via radio or infra-red signals to the sound device. If in doubt, contact Konnekt.

Using USB headphones or a handset / headset that connects to USB has one big advantage: When Videophone rings, the sound is still heard through the in-built speakers (or external speaker connected to the 3.5mm sound output socket). Only the voice – that is, the sound heard during a call – is played through the USB sound device. This gives you the best of both worlds: You can have a speaker to play ringing (ringtone) to alert you about incoming calls while you’re elsewhere in the room or home, and you can have a handset / headset for use during calls for greater privacy, reduced noise, and reduced effects from room accoustics.

Care of your sound device

If you use earphones / earbuds, be sure to clean them regularly. Stop wearing them at the first sign of a potential ear infection. We much prefer to use a headset or handset.

If you use a wired handset, headset, or earphones / earbuds, there is a risk that you’ll walk away while still holding or wearing them. This can cause damage to the cord, the connector or, worst case, it might topple over your Videophone or pull it onto the floor – potentially causing damage to the Videophone or injury to the user. Be sure to use a cable clamp and/or cable tie to secure the cord to the table surface or to a nearby wall.

Recommended USB Handset

Konnekt stocks and sells a compatible USB handset that is lightweight and supports a huge volume range and microphone sensitivity range. It can improve clarity, reduce noise and increase privacy. There is no need to “hang it up” after calls because – unlike a regular old-fashioned telephone – there is no hook switch. This is a huge benefit to users who might otherwise forget to replace their handpiece after a call.

Contact Konnekt to order your USB Handset.

Some of our users have difficulty with their speech, due to a stroke or impairment. Videophone already helps in two ways:

• The user’s contact can lip-read while listening. This can help the contact understand words that are missed or unclear.
• If the user knows sign language, her contact can watch her sign while she speaks, or use the National Video Relay Service to translate between sign language and speech. Contact us to learn how we configure this for you, complete with a Videophone “Video Relay” call button.

A speech generating device allows the user to create speech (talk) using either a computer keyboard, a special keypad with icons, a custom tablet, computer program or tablet/mobile app. Many feature a list of standard phrases that can be expanded. The device can be either wired directly into Videophone’s standard audio-input / microphone socket, or simply positioned near Videophone’s long-range microphone.

These assistive technologies are also known as:

• Speech aids
• Communication aids
• Talkers
• AAC devices
• Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCA)

Try the following site:

• The Independent Living Centre (ILC) Speech Generating Devices page features a range of speech generating devices for those with speech impairments. This page includes devices that can be operated using eye control, a single button, a keyboard or an icon-based keypad.

We work with Speech Pathologists to make your face-to-face calls as simple as possible!