ICAT
Interface for code and text
(1.0 Version)
Aim
ICAT is used to write on any Windows application through mouse clicks or through a switch connected to a modified mouse.
It can be used with Morse code or any other code created by the user, based on two clicks of different duration.
ICAT is a free distribution program, created by Antonio Sacco. 1.0 Version has been released on July, 2007. Translation into English of ICAT 1.0: Daniela Díaz.
Help
You can download Help here
Download help .HLP file(19 Kb)
System Requirements
ICAT works with any PC computer with the following characteristics. It needs at least:
• 32 Mb of RAM
• 2 Mb available hard disk space
• Windows 95/98/Me/XP/2000/Vista
• Optional: a switch connected to a modified mouse
Download
To use the software download this file and install it
You can also use the compressed version of the binary files ("icat10.zip").
Installer (1.6 Mb)
Compressed version of the binary files (1.3 Mb)
FAQ
- Is it possible to write any kind of text ,such as e-mails ,with ICAT?
- Yes, ICAT allows writing on any Windows application. The user only has to open the program he/she wants to use (e.g. a word processor or an e-mail box), open out ICAT main window list, and then, select the program.
- Which part of ICAT window should I click on to write?
- On the empty box located on the right part of ICAT window.
- How can this program be used with a switch?
- It is only necessary to connect the switch to a modified mouse so that, once the former is activated, the effect is the same as when clicking an ordinary mouse.
Adapted mice usually carry a miniplug socket where the switch cable is connected. They can be easily bought in specialized stores or can be made in a very simple way. Contact CEAPAT for support (http://www.ceapat.org)
- How can an accidental movement of the mouse be avoided when using the switch?
- ICAT has a special function that fixes (or blocks) the mouse pointer position on the click area. In this way an involuntary movement of the mouse will not take the pointer away from the window area. However, with a quick movement, the pointer can be taken out of the area.
To activate or deactivate this function press F2 key (keeping ICAT window open) or select the suitable box from the option window.
- If the pointer of the mouse is fixed and “the focus” is on other application, it is difficult to release it.
- By pressing simultaneously CTRL+I, ICAT will be active. Then to release the pointer, press F2.
- Why does the program I want to write on not appear in the pull down list?
- If the user opens the program list, runs the application, and immediately afterwards opens the list again, this last application may not appear. In this case the user should open ICAT applications, close them, and open out the program list again, where there would also become visible the last opened.
- Why it is necessary to keep pressed for so long to configure a dot or a dash?
- The click periods established to configure a dot or a dash can be modified from the ICAT options window. The numbers represent hundredth of a second. The user may try with lower/shorter periods.
- Why does a dash (instead of a dot) always appear, even when the switch or the mouse is quickly pressed?
- The click periods established to configure a dot or a dash can be modified from the ICAT options window. The numbers represent hundredth of a second. The user may try with greater/longer periods.
- The time period to configure the dot is the right one. However, the time period to configure the dash is wrong (or vice versa). How can I solve this problem?
- ICAT can calculate the time period of the dash taking into account the time period of the dot entered by the user. If the relationship is not adequate for a person, it is convenient to deselect the box, “calculate the time period…” of the option window, and enter them manually.
- Why ICAT window does not allow me to see other windows?
- This program function is used to prevent other application from blocking accidentally ICAT window, which is essential to enter information. This function can be activated or deactivated with the option “Keep the program always visible” from the option window. If it is used, it is convenient to adjust the window dimensions of the other application so that it is not superimposed onto ICAT.
- How do I know what letter is ICAT writing?
- In ICAT title bar it can be seen “dots” and “dashes” that correspond to each click, as well as the text made with them. This function will be visible whenever selected the option “show clicks…” from the option window.
- If Morse code is not appropriate for the user, is it possible to use another code?
- Yes. Just open the option window and click “Choose” to select a new code.
- The user is neither able to remember the Morse code, nor the other codes included in ICAT. What can be done?
- It is possible to create a new code or modify an existing code. Just open the option window and click “Edit”. The content of the code will be shown on the Notepad program. This program allows seeing the format that should be maintain for this type of file, modifies some of the entries, eliminate others, and create new ones.
Once the modifications are completed the user has two options inside Notepad.1) “File Save”: the existing code will be replaced by the new one. Or 2) “File Save as”: a new code will be generated without loosing the former. With this last option the file should be saved in the program folder (generally, C:\Programs Files\icat).
- Why is it possible to select other languages but Help Option appears only in Spanish?
- Program and help options translations into other languages are made separately by volunteers. It possible that there is a translation of the program but its Help Options has not been included yet.
- How can I contact the programmers to make a suggestion, a comment or help in any way?
- Please contact us through the mails included in the "contact" page of this website
