{"id":3264,"date":"2020-11-06T21:48:49","date_gmt":"2020-11-06T21:48:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/volksswitch.org\/?page_id=3264"},"modified":"2024-09-26T11:32:39","modified_gmt":"2024-09-26T17:32:39","slug":"customizable-head-pointer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/volksswitch.org\/index.php\/volks-devices\/customizable-head-pointer\/","title":{"rendered":"Customizable Head Pointer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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A head pointer is used by individuals with limited hand or arm control to interact with a physical keyboard or a capacitive, computer\/tablet touchscreen.\u00a0 It can also be used to manipulate objects like turning pages in a book.\u00a0 Head pointers have two components: a mounting system that is fit to the individual’s head and a rod that is attached to the head mount.\u00a0 The rod can be made of plastic, wood, or metal.\u00a0 The composition of the rod determines if it can only be used to depress keys on a physical keyboard and manipulate physical objects, or if it can also interact with a computer\/tablet touchscreen.<\/p>\n

Head pointers have been available for decades.\u00a0 They can be bulky, heavy, clunky looking, and above all, expensive.\u00a0 The table below contains several examples of available head pointers along with their prices.\u00a0 Clicking on an image will display a larger version of the image and clicking on the price below an image will take you to the web page where that head pointer can be purchased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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$149.00<\/a><\/td>\n$149.00<\/a><\/td>\n$185.00<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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\u00a0\u00a3120.00 <\/a><\/td>\n$217.95<\/a><\/td>\n$83.62<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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DIY<\/a><\/td>\n$91.76<\/a><\/td>\n$285.00<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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$129.00<\/a><\/td>\n\u20ac89.17 <\/a><\/td>\n$??<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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$49.00<\/td>\n$249.50<\/td>\n\u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

In keeping with Volksswitch’s guidelines, we only consider creating an alternative design if that design would result in significant cost savings and\/or greater customization and personalization. We believe that our customizable head pointer meets both of those goals.<\/p>\n

Our head mount can be 3D-printed for about $1.25<\/strong> worth of filament. Simple elastic holds the mount in place. If you don’t need to interact with a touchscreen, a wooden dowel can be the pointer. Alternatively, a capacitive pointer can be constructed from aluminum or stainless steel tubing and a capacitive tip\u2014both of which can be purchased online. More on that below.<\/p>\n

The size of the head mount is customizable to within a millimeter. As with any 3D-printed device, you have access to a rainbow of filament colors. Finally, the head mount designer provides accommodations for decorating the head pointer with elements that personalize it\u2014the head pointer above is clearly being used by a human unicorn!<\/p>\n

The Volksswitch Customizable Head pointer is 3D-printed using flexible filament.\u00a0 In all of the examples shown below, the filament used was TPU.\u00a0 We have used PLA to print the pointer mounting bolt, but you could print that piece out of TPU as well. The head mount is printed in pieces and assembled by sliding\/pressing together five dovetail joints.\u00a0 You may find that you can even print the head pointer on a small 3D printer if you print a single piece at a time.<\/p>\n

First Things First:<\/h4>\n

Before you begin, you’ll need to go to the\u00a0Printables page<\/a> for the head pointer designer.<\/p>\n

You’ll\u00a0open OpenSCAD to create your design right on your computer. You’ll need to download the designer program, “head_pointer.scad,” from the\u00a0“Files” tab<\/a>. Also, download the “pointer_retention_bolt.stl” and “pointer_mount.stl” files from the same page. Then,<\/span>\u00a0follow these instructions <\/a>to download OpenSCAD and open the head_pointer.scad file for customization.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Customizing the Head pointer:<\/h4>\n

You’ll want to go through the customizations from top to bottom of the Customizer pane.\u00a0 Here are all the customization categories available:<\/p>\n

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