Conceptus makes the first and only commercially available
tongue-operated switch for skydiving photography.
The
Tongue Switch was designed from the beginning to address
the special needs of freefall photographers. It is unique
in that it requires no movement of the teeth or jaw to
operate, can't slip accidentally from the mouth, does
not require interruption of breathing like a blow switch,
and can be bitten extremely hard without damage or impairment
of functioning.
The Tongue Switch is comprised of a 1/2 inch
pressure-sensitive switch mechanism, a 1 inch flattened
and bite-resistant stem, a 36 inch coaxial wire, and a
2.5mm plug with a 90 degree elbow bend. It is configured
so that the pressure-sensitive switch face is always
oriented towards the user's tongue, regardless of the
direction of insertion into the mouth, thus allowing the
wire to be routed to the left or right.
The tongue movement required is most similar to
that of pressing bubble gum against the back surface of
the front teeth before blowing a bubble. The
user will feel a "click" each time the switch is
depressed, indicating that a photo has been taken. The
entire switch assembly is waterproof, and since it is
situated entirely within the mouth, no jaw or teeth
movement is required to retain or actuate the switch
while taking photographs. This allows the Tongue Switch
to be used with tight fitting rear-entry helmets and
ratcheting chin-cups. This feature makes it the
favorite of professional freefall photographers who
insist on a perfectly stable camera platform.
