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.
It is the favorite of freeflyers and photographers of other skydiving disciplines who need a simple, intuitive, hands-free camera shutter release switch. It utilizes a very gentle bite to operate the camera and is extremely easy to use. It can be used with any camera equipped with a remote shutter release jack. The supplied plug fits most Canon film cameras – others cameras usually require custom connection, which you can find detailed instructions for on the Connection page.
The Bite Switch is comprised of a durable, sealed tubular switch assembly measuring 1.5 inches long by 1/4 inch diameter, a 36 inch coaxial wire, and a 2.5mm plug with a 90 degree elbow bend. During use, the switch is placed in the mouth with the wire pointing either to the right or left.
Biting anywhere on the red section ("bite zone") actuates the switch and triggers the camera. There are two tactile ribs so the user can instantly feel the bite zone with their teeth and lips. The required bite force is about what it would take to bite through a small carrot, or about how hard the average person can comfortably bite on their own finger without pain.
The actual depression of the switch mechanism is only about 1/8", so very little jaw movement is needed. As a result, helmet motion is extremely small. Be aware the Bite Switch works best when used with open-faced helmets or helmets with chin cups allowing the user to open and close the mouth at least to a small degree.
It should always be bitten only with the front teeth, not with the sharp canine teeth, and only hard enough to slightly flatten the tubular portion. Usage otherwise may deform the internal components or puncture the flexible casing and cause a malfunction.