Komodo Tecla Cellphone Interface

Komodo Open Labs Inc. (KOL) and George Brown College’s Centre for Construction and Engineering Technology (CCET) are collaborating to develop a production version of the Tecla Bluetooth interface for Android® and iPhones®. KOL’s Tecla is a set of open software and hardware tools that facilitate access to electronic devices for people with mobility impairments. These devices provide alternate access to commercial smartphones and cellphones that have built in Bluetooth® capabilities. It allows individuals with special needs to have as many choices of consumer devices and cellphone service providers as do able-bodied people, thus, giving them greater independence. The Tecla version being produced is a more compact and less costly version of KOL’s first prototype. The plan includes completing a prototype of the device, which has three components: circuit board, enclosure and mounting bracket (for wheelchairs). The initial phase of the project entails design and fabrication of a printed circuit board (PCB) using the college’s new LPKF PCB milling machine. Following the first engineering sample the team will build more features and refinements into the Tecla including a generic bracket for wheelchairs mounts and power supply options.