On the configuration site, you’ll select:
Gesture algorithm: Choose “punch” or “roll”
- Punch: Detects total acceleration across all axes (works for big movements)
- Roll: Detects acceleration on a single axis (works for subtle movements)
- Not sure? Start with punch and switch if needed
Sensitivity threshold: Start with the default, adjust during calibration
Feedback options: Audio, vibration
The site will generate firmware files ready to download.
Step 3: Flash the Firmware
For the T-Watch S3:
- Connect the T-Watch S3 to your computer via USB cable
- Go to handshaketec.com and select “Flash Firmware”
- Choose the watch firmware file you downloaded
- Click “Flash”
- Wait for completion (usually 30-60 seconds)
- Unplug the watch
For the T-Embed:
- Connect the T-Embed to your computer via USB cable
- Select the receiver firmware file
- Click “Flash”
- Wait for completion
- Unplug the device
If flashing fails:
- Try a different USB cable (some are data-only, not power+data)
- Make sure you have USB drivers installed
- Try on a different computer
Step 4: Pairing Watch and Receiver
- Plug in the T-Embed receiver (keep it plugged in)
- Put on the T-Watch S3 (or hold it steady)
- Make a gesture with the watch (shake it or whatever your configured gesture is)
- The receiver should say ‘SHAKE’
For multiple watch/receiver pairs: Repeat this process for each pair. Each watch will only communicate with its paired receiver.
Step 5: Calibration
What You’ll Need
- The person who will be using HandShake
- The T-Embed in front of you (with receiver connected or with a computer nearby)
- A few minutes to adjust settings
The Process
- Watch the movement: Have the user make their gesture
- Set the threshold:
- Use the dial on the T-Embed to set the sensitivity
- Test it:
- Fine-tune:
- If too many false positives: increase threshold (turn dial up)
- If too many misses: decrease threshold (turn dial down)
- Re-test after each adjustment
- Save settings:
- Once calibrated, press and hold the T-Embed button for 2 seconds
- The LED will flash to confirm settings are saved to the watch
Step 6: Connecting to AAC Software or Hardware
If you’re using Grid 3, Predictable, JABtalk, or any speech software:
- The T-Embed can be configured to send keyboard keystrokes
- Plug it into your computer via USB
- The software should recognize a keyboard press when you gesture
- In your AAC software settings, configure what that key press does
Troubleshooting
Watch and receiver won’t pair
- Try unplugging the receiver and starting over
- Make sure both devices have firmware flashed
- Try a different USB cable
- Check handshaketec.com for pairing issues
Gestures aren’t triggering
- Re-check calibration (threshold might be too high)
- Make sure you’re using the gesture you selected in firmware configuration
- Try with the real user (sometimes gesture varies from person to person)
- Check the watch is charged (low battery might affect accelerometer)
Software isn’t responding to triggers
- Confirm the T-Embed is connected via USB to the computer
- Check your AAC software has keyboard input enabled
- Test keyboard manually (press a key on keyboard, does software respond?)
- Try a different USB cable or computer
False positives (random triggers)
- Increase the sensitivity threshold using the dial
- Make sure the watch isn’t being bumped or jostled
- Check the watch battery isn’t low
Software Updates
- Check handshaketec.com occasionally for firmware updates
- Updates are optional but might have bug fixes or new features
