Go to any special needs school and you'll find BIGmack switches, like this, in most classrooms.

BIGmacks let the user record 20 seconds worth of speech or sounds (more for the newer models) that is played back when the switch is pressed. They can be connected to external speakers, toys and other applications and can also be operated by a second switch connected through one of the onboard sockets.

This one had been well used by the students at Blackfriars School, Newcastle-under-Lyme and was beginning to show its age. It still worked as a switch, it was loud enough but the recorded message sounded muffled and was difficult to hear clearly.

Altogether we collected six that sounded rough and in need of attention.

Essentially it came down to this: could they be refurbished to avoid the cost of replacements?

As it turned out all they needed was a replacement speaker fitting at the cost of £3 and they are now back in use - hopefully good for several more years hard labour.

Get in touch if you would like us to take a look at your school's BIGmacks - we may be able to refurbish yours as well. This is the link to our contact details on the Dream-Racer web site.

Mike