WetPC P/L produces several different types of ambidextrous hand controllers for use in conjunction with its chordic graphical user interface (CGUI). They are designed to be used underwater, on the land, as well as in harsh environments (heavy industry, farming, abattoirs). All units require appropriate Kord® Software to control them. They have numerous advantages for mobile computing.

The Kord® Pad 

The Kord® Pad is a 5 key device which was originally developed to control the WetPC® underwater computer. It fits in the palm of either hand and is operated by pressing single or multiple keys (called chording). It is usually activated once all the fingers have been released, which means that the user doesn't have to press the keys simultaneously. The user interacts with the computer in a very easy and natural way; they find that haptic muscle memory rapidly develops, allowing them to not only make selections far faster than a mouse or stylus, but if needed, totally eyes-free. Additionally, because the Kord® Pad is a digital input device, it is unaffected by vibration or bumping the way pointers (such as a trackball) are.

Soft-bodied Kord® Pad 

It can be used to control a variety of mobile devices and can be provided in serial, parallel, or keyboard plug models. Programs and drivers are available for Windows® CE and Windows® 32 platforms.

Kord® Pads normally have a powder coated metal casing and an IP 66 rating. A Velcro® strap, which is attached to the casing, ensures that the Kord® Pad fits snugly in the palm of the hand, it can also be worn attached to the body. Each Kord® Pad is connected via a 1.2m length of shielded cable to the appropriate plug. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Installation merely consists of plugging in and running the desired Kord® Software. Soft-bodied versions have also been developed for applications where water ingress is not of concern.

The Kord® Grip 

The Kord® Grip is used to operate the SeaSlate underwater computer. It consists of 6 buttons housed in a waterproof solid polyurethane moulded hand piece (more details). Used in conjunction with patented Kord® Software the it enables the SeaSlate to be controlled with one hand. Each Kord® Grip has two thumb buttons which enable it to be used by either right or left-handed users (by mounting it upside down). The second thumb button can also be used to deactivate the other buttons, if required. Special purpose Kord® Software is needed to support these features.

Each button consists of a plastic piston and conical stainless steel spring which fit within a small hole (cylinder) in the moulded hand piece. Hall-effect sensors are used in the switch mechanism. The buttons are flooded when underwater, meaning that water enters behind the piston. Thus pressure compensation is not required, whilst tested to 50m, it will have a bottom limit far greater.

The Kord® Board 

The Kord® Board is a 5-button keyboard which is designed to be operated on horizontal surfaces in conjunction with our patented Kord® Software. It is of solid metal construction, splashproof, and dustproof. It connects to the computer's serial port. PS/2 and parallel port versions are planned.

The Kord® Wrap 

The Kord® Wrap is a flexible keypad which is designed to be readily attached to grips or steering wheels. Splashproof, and dustproof, it connects to any computer port. Wireless versions are planned.

Secret Vibratory Alarm 
This device can be fitted within a Kord® Pad. With the correct software, it can be used to discretely alert the user of an event (e.g. incoming e-mail, system alerts) by vibrating the Kord® Pad. Different patterns in the vibration can be produced which enable the user to distinguish between different types of events.