Tek Gear Twiddler2.1 User Manual

Twiddler2.1

USER MANUAL Rev. 1.7

Copyright @ Tek Gear, Inc. 1992, 2000, 2010 All Rights Reserved

Twiddler and Twiddler2.1TM are trademarks of Tek Gear, Inc.

Contents

GETTING STARTED ......................................................................................3

Overview ........................................................................................................3

The Strap .........................................................................................................3

Changing to Left-Hand Use ..................................................................3

Getting Started: Left or Right? ..............................................................3

How to hold the Twiddler ......................................................................3

THE KEYBOARD ............................................................................................5

Typing On The Twiddler ............................................................................ 4

Single Keys ............................................................................................4

Chords ...................................................................................................5

Repeating Keys ....................................................................................5

Key Notation .........................................................................................5

Labels ....................................................................................................6

Speed Tip ................................................................................................7

Another Speed Tip ................................................................................8

Thumb Keys ...........................................................................................8

THE MOUSE POINTER ...............................................................................10

Mouse-clicking ................................................................................................10

Installing and Programming the Twiddler ...................................11

Key Assignment Notation ...............................................................................11

Key Chord Mapping .......................................................................................12

Mouse Chord Mapping .................................................................................12

Page 3

GETTING STARTED

Overview

The Twiddler2.1TM provides the same input to your computer as both a conventional
keyboard and a mouse. To do this the Twiddler uses twelve keys on the front and four keys on
top plus a NavStick. The top keys are for your thumb and your other four fingers operate the
front keys. The Navigational Joystick, or NavStick, under your thumb, performs the pointing
function of a mouse. The Twiddler is designed to be operated by only one hand while the
hand not holding the Twiddler is free for other tasks.

The Strap

There is a soft fabric strap that extends from a slot in the side of the Twiddler’s case and
attaches to a Velcro pad on the bottom. This strap goes around the back of your hand and
holds the Twiddler in posi tion for typing or pointing. When you receive your Twiddler, the strap
will be set up for right-hand use, but it may be easily readjusted for left-hand use.

Changing to Left-Hand Use

To adjust the Twiddler for left-hand use, first remove the strap from its Velcro fastener on the
bottom. Next, grasp the strap close to the slot and slide the end of the strap out of the slot. It
is designed to be a snug fit. Then slide the same fitted end of the strap into the matching slot
on the opposite side of the Twiddler. Be sure to insert it all the way into the slot.

Getting Started: Left or Right?

Which hand should you use for the Twiddler? The first inclination is to use it in your dominant
hand. But you may wish to put off this decision and try the Twiddler with each hand and
think about how you will be using it before you decide.

Here are a few things to consider:

1. What do you want to be able to do with the hand not holding the Twiddler?

If you want to take pencil-and-paper notes, you may wish to try the Twiddler in your
non-writing hand.

2. Does your normal computer work involve fine control of the pointing device (such
as CAD or drawing programs)?

If so, you may want to use the Twiddler in the hand that has the best drawing control.
In any case, you may wish to experiment with each hand to see which suits you best.
It is always easy to change the strap to the other side. The Twiddler key layout is
designed to work equally well in either hand.

How to hold the Twiddler

How you hold the Twiddler is a matter of personal taste. It is designed to accommodate
a wide range of hand sizes and shapes. The following guidelines may help you find a
comfortable position:

In general, the strap goes around the back part of your hand, between your knuckles and
wrist, and attaches to the Velcro fastener on the bottom of the case. Do not make the strap

Page 4

too tight. You should adjust the strap so your fingers fall naturally and easily over the center
column of keys (the keys with the small guide-bumps on them).

You will notice that your thumb is resting on the top inside corner of the Twiddler. When
the strap is adjusted correctly, it is loose enough so that your hand can be removed and
re-inserted without detaching the strap from the Velcro. Rotating the Twiddler toward or
away from your palm adjusts the angle of operation to accommodate longer or shorter
fingers; and the angle of the strap on the bottom of the Twiddler can also be adjusted for
your comfort. In fact, one way to find a comfortable position is to remove the strap from the
bottom, set the Twiddler’s angle, and then re-attach the strap to the Velcro pad. The fastener
on the bottom helps to hold the desired angle of the Twiddler.

When you have adjusted the strap and angle so that your fingers fall naturally over the
center column, you will find that the left and right columns of keys are an equally short
reach for your fingers. If the strap is too tight, the closest column may cramp your fingers. If
the strap is too loose, the column farther away may be hard to reach.

You can comfortably rest your thumb on the inside
corner of the Twiddler, in a relaxed position.

You don’t need to grip the Twiddler. By resting the
thumb as shown, and applying gentle outward
pressure, you will keep the Twiddler steady and
reach the keys more easily.

The Keyboard

The Twiddler keyboard is designed to do all the work of a standard computer keyboard plus
a lot more. With only sixteen keys, the Twiddler accomplishes this by chording.

On a piano keyboard you can play a single note by striking one key or play a chord by
playing a number of keys at the same time. The Twiddler works in a similar way. You can type
a character or command with a single key or with a combination of keys called a chord.
Using various single keystrokes, or chords, you can type all the letters, characters, symbols
and commands found on a standard keyboard. In fact, the Twiddler actually offers you over
a thousand different programmable chords. And, since most of these key combinations are
not preset at the factory, you can customize your Twiddler by making your own assignments
to these chords. You can even override factory-preset key/chord/character assignments
through the Twiddler Configurator Java software included on the Flash Drive inside your
Twiddler, or at Handykey.com

Typing On The Twiddler

Single Keys

There are twelve keys on the front of the Twiddler arranged in three columns and four rows.
Each key in the center column has a tiny bump which makes touch-typing easier by letting
you know immediately, by touch, which key your finger is pressing.