Iomasach Cerebral Palsy Computer Aid (Prototype V1.2)

This DIY device is a Computer aid for those with mobility impairments, including Cerebral Palsy. The function of this device allows for six-axis programmable control of a computer with twist, push/pull, and side to side movements. The joystick height if changed allows for increased or decreased throw for finer, or more exaggerated input movements. Mastering the use of the Iomasach Computer Aid depends on the motor function of the user. A user with no motor function impairments can take anywhere from 10-25min to feel comfortable using the computer aid. A user with considerable tremors, muscle spams or other impairments may take twice that time. Although that may seem like a long period to master the device, the efficiency and features the device allows is well worth the effort. Functions include simultaneous keybind inputs, durability, accuracy, reprogrammability, and ease of access. Setup is simple, and the configuration is customizable, and steps and images are provided to allow easy setup. This device is fantastic for general use of computers, and fantastic when used for gaming and manipulating content creation apps!

Required supplies:

1. Makey Makey keyboard device
2. 7 double-sided alligator clip cables
3. 1/2in foam core
4. copper tape
5. copper cable (12-gauge, 24-gauge)
6. hot glue gun and glue or hobby glue
7. electrical tape
8. 3M command strips or hook and loop alternative (OPTIONAL)
9. Exacto blades
10. cutting ruler (not required but recommended)
11. file/rasp
12. sandpaper
13. 3D printer (send-cut-send is always an option if you do not have a 200x200x100 printer!)

45min+ assembly time.

1A. After four pairs of spring tension pegs are printed and supports have been removed, lightly sand the surface of the half of the tension peg with the double "C" shaped extrusions.

1B. Very gently, attempt fitting the "C" shaped extrusion with the respective hole. If the two pieces do not fit, sand the extrusions until the two pieces are able to attach and detach with the use of force.

1C. Apply a pea sized dot of glue to each "C" shaped extrusion and fit together and hold until cured. Repeat these steps until you have four finished tension pegs.

2A. Take the large rectangular base you have printed and locate the holes located on each corner, shown above. Each hole should have a notch located at the top of the keyway.

2B. Line up the notch on the previously assembled tension pegs with the notch on the base and insert as far as the assembly allows

2C. As you will notice, the edges of the tension peg do not match the corner. Lock the peg in place by rotating the peg counterclockwise about 40 degrees, the edges of both the base and the tension peg should line up. The finished product should resemble the second image. (Black object is a zip tie, disregard)

IMPORTANT: if you feel considerable resistance, try sanding the surfaces of the peg until it locks in place. DO NOT continue twisting as this can snap the posts.

2D. Repeat steps until all four tension pegs are inserted.

3A. The cross piece is the X shaped piece with a cone attached to the bottom. Take this piece and your 24-gauge wire and thread a 4in segment through the hole in the center of the crosspiece. About 1in of exposed wire should be visible on each end.

3B. Set four pieces of 24-gauge wire in the trenches on each arm of the cross-piece. On the ends of the wires nearest to the ends of each arm, make sure the wire is slightly elevated above the surface of the arm. On the end of the wire nearest to the center of the cross-piece, attach the the wires to the wire going through the center of the crosspiece by twisting them together and secure with electrical tape.

3C. Wrap the ends of each arm with a generous amount of copper tape, making sure to cover the wires as well. (shown above)

3D. Insert the cross-piece nto the hole in the center of the base making sure to thread the wire through the hole at the bottom.

In order to add a handle you can glue whatever apparatus suits your needs and whatever mount type you need, keep the mount centered and relatively symmetrical. keep in mind that the longer the handle is the larger the throw of the joystick. I just made a foam-core tube with a notch to rest my wrist.

The important thing to keep in mind with your handle is you want to be able to loop rubber bands or add a attachment point for springs on the corners of the handle.

5A. The remaining wires you have, should be threaded through three holes located on all four sides. (the hole with two "C" shaped divots on either side is for later) follow the images above for threading

5B. Apply copper tape generously as shown above

6A. Thread two alligator clips through the holes shown above.

6B. Insert the twist pegs into corresponding holes. do not force the pegs, sand if needed.

6C. wrap pegs in copper tape as shown above and attach alligator clips to exposed copper tape as shown above

6D. thread alligator clip through large hole and apply copper tape as shown above.

This final step is entirely up to the user as the clips and attach to the holes on the makey makey allowing for customization or key inputs. Just make sure to attach the Center wire from the cross piece to the "ground" slots on the Makey Makey. Have fun!