Tapio USB/iOS Switch Interface

Tapio USB/iOS Switch Interface

Tapio is a direct connect, lightning fast, dual switch interface that's suitable for everyday access, but can fly with the fastest gamer.

With Tapio and an adaptive switch, a single switch user can have complete access to an iPad or iPhone and even macOS computers using Apple's Switch Control. A single switch scanner really can move the highlight to an app on the home screen, launch it, and scan to controls within the app. All that's left is to plug an appropriate adaptive switch into Tapio, and attach it to an iOS Device using an Apple adapter.

Switch Control provides single switch access to Apple's iOS touch interface.

The beauty of a robust direct connection is there are no worries with Bluetooth pairing, drop-outs, and sluggish connections. Forget about charging batteries, Tapio doesn't have any – it sips power directly from the iPad.

Tapio is a complete switch interface solution – elegant, simple, fast, efficient, and agile (iPad and iPhone, Android phone and tablet, macOS, Windows, Chromebook and Linux computers).

Tapio is a native USB switch interface that can be connected to an Apple iOS Device using an Apple USB adapter. It accepts industry standard 3.5 mm stereo or mono plugs, and directly interfaces up to two adaptive switches to an Apple iOS Device or computer. In addition to Apple iOS Devices, Tapio is a perfect interface for Android, Windows, macOS and Linux computers, and many Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) devices.

Lightning Fast and Low latency
Very Low Power
Host powered – No Batteries to Charge or Replace
Reliable Direct Connection – No Bluetooth Pairing Issues, No Drop-outs, and No Sluggish Connections
Use re-charge Lightning adapter to charge iPad/iPhone while using Tapio
Multi-Platform:
Apple iPad, iPad Pro and iPhone
Android Tablets and Smartphones
Chromebooks
macOS, Windows and Linux computers
Most Speech Generating Devices
Accepts One or Two Adaptive Switches (3.5-mm/0.125-inch)
With Long Press – Up to "Four Switch Functionality" in iOS
Apple Switch Control events (iOS7 and newer)
Switch Access for Android events (Android 5.0 and newer)
RJ Cooper Switch events
High Performance Scan Modes
1-year limited warranty
Origin Instruments Quality, Reliability and Support

Tapio Specifications (New PDF Window Opens)

Tapio User Manual

Apple iOS Device Configuration for Switch Control

Android's Switch Access Setup and Configuration

How to use Tapio with Switch Control

Switch Control Options

Tapio and Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter

Tapio and Apple Lightning Adapter with re-charge port

Tapio and Apple USB-C Adapter (iPad Pro)

Optional Stereo-to-Mono Adapter

The Stereo-to-Mono Adapter is a useful accessory for Tapio, Swifty and HeadMouse.
The stereo-to-mono adapter or splitter allows two single switches with mono plugs to be connected to Tapio, Swifty or the HeadMouse. The adapter may also be used with third party switch adapted devices.
Not only do adapters look different they have different functionality, see "Not All Splitters are Alike" below.

NOTE: Not All Splitters are Alike

There are two kinds of audio "splitters" one breaks up a stereo signal into a mono left and mono right channel – the kind used for a switch interface. The other kind of "splitter" is used to share one stereo signal with two sets of headphones each with a left and right channel. You cannot tell which type you have by looking, it must be tested.

Here is a simple test. Plug your splitter into an audio source (e.g. iPhone) plug your stereo headphones into one of the splitter jacks, if you only hear one of the stereo channels you have the correct splitter for a switch interface.

If you hear both left and right audio channels you have the wrong splitter.

SKU: TO-0100 - Tapio iOS Switch Interface with Apple Lightning Adapter
SKU: TO-0500 - Tapio iOS Switch Interface with Apple USB-C Adapter (iPad Pro)

Tapio FAQ

1: How do I plug Tapio into an iPad or iPhone?
Tapio is a native USB device. To connect to an iOS Device, use an Interface Adapter from Apple, or a third party supplier. Apple brand adapters are available from Origin Instruments for the Lightning connector and USB type C (iPad Pro). Origin Instruments no longer offers the legacy 30-pin adapters, but they are available on the second hand market.

2: Will Tapio work with my iPhone?
Yes, Tapio works with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

3: Will Tapio work with my iPad?
Yes, Tapio works with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

4: Does Tapio require iOS Switch Control?
No, Tapio will work with any apps that use specific keyboard characters such as those popularized by RJ Cooper and Ablenet. Refer to your app documentation and the Tapio manual to see if Tapio supports the characters required by your app.

5: What version of the operating system has Switch Control?
Apple Switch Control is included in all versions of the operating system since iOS7.

6: Can I use Tapio on an iPad and a Macintosh computer?
Yes, Tapio is a native USB switch interface that with an Apple Adapter can be plugged into iOS Devices (iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch). When using it with a computer remove the Apple Adapter and plug Tapio directly into one of the computer's USB ports.

7: Can I use Tapio on a Windows or Linux computer?
Yes, just plug Tapio into an available USB port.

8: Can I use Tapio on an Android smartphone or tablet?
Yes, plug it into the smartphone or tablet using the appropriate adapter for your device. Starting with Android version 5.0 there is a built-in scanning capability called Switch Access for Android.

9: Can I use Tapio on an Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) Device?
Yes, as long as it has a USB port. However, most AAC Devices have a built-in switch interface that may meet your needs.

10: What does it mean if I get a message when plugging Tapio into an iOS Device?
iOS devices work with USB keyboards, but third-party support is unofficial. If you see a message claiming Tapio is not supported tap OK and dismiss the message. If you are using iOS Switch Control you may use your Tapio to scan to and tap OK to dismiss this message.

11: How do I connect two adaptive switches?
Switch combinations such as Sip/Puff or Left/Right can directly connect using a single stereo cable. For connecting two switches with independent cables and connectors, use our dual-mono-to-stereo adapter. Not all adapters are alike. Please see the Stereo to Mono Adapter document for more information.

12: Tapio can emulate a keyboard, mouse and joystick. Which mode should I use?
When using an Apple iOS Device with Switch Control, we recommend using the Tapio 1 (Default) keyboard Mode.
When using a computer, we recommend Joystick Mode.
However, you must set Tapio for the events your application is expecting. For example, if the iOS app is looking for RJ Cooper events, then set Tapio for RJ Mode. If a computer application is looking for mouse buttons, then use Tapio's Mouse Mode.

13: Will Tapio wakeup my computer or iOS device?
Tapio can wake a host that supports USB remote wakeup. Tapio will wake most computers, but not iOS devices.

14: Why does the LED come on when plugging Tapio into a computer or iOS Device?
When first plugged in, the host goes through a process called USB enumeration, which means the host is trying to determine what has been plugged into its USB port. In the case of Tapio, the host is determining that it has been configured (using Tapio's mode switch) to emulate a mouse, joystick, or keyboard.

15: Why does the LED come on when I actuate one of my adaptive switches?
This is used to help you determine if the host (computer or iOS Device) has properly enumerated Tapio and that Tapio can see the adaptive switch actuations. If you press an adaptive switch and the LED does NOT light, it means one of the following: Tapio is not properly enumerated, the host has removed power, the adaptive switch is defective, or Tapio is defective.

16: What kind of adaptive switch is required for Tapio?
Practically any switch that closes two contacts can be used. Of course, it must have a 3.5-mm connector to plug into Tapio's 3.5-mm, stereo jack. Origin Instruments Orby Switch or its Sip/Puff Switch are examples of appropriate switches.

17: How does Tapio read the switches?
Tapio's microprocessor puts a low voltage with high source impedance on a contact and looks for it to be shorted to the common contact by the switch. Tapio also “de-bounces” the adaptive switches to prevent multiple switch events from an electrically “noisy” switch.

18: Can I use Tapio while charging my iPad?
Yes, use Apple's Lightning to USB adapter with a standard Lightning power port. Plug your Tapio into the USB port and your iPad (or iPhone) charger into the Lightning port on the adapter. Tapio is available with Apple's base USB to Lightning adapter and the one that includes the Lightning power port.

19: Must I use the Apple brand USB adapters?
No, but we have had reliability issues with the 3rd party adapters we tested. Therefore, we decided to stick with only Apple brand adapters. However, time has passed and there may be other usable adapters. It won't hurt to try a 3rd party adapter; they are usually inexpensive.

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