AirTurn BT-105 Wireless Page Turner for iPad

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JazzMando What's New - We've fully embraced the iPad as a performance tool for set lists and song charts. We've enjoyed and had success using such apps as the UnrealBook, Planning Center Online (Music Stand), and PDF Reader Pro on stage, and for practicing jazz tunes with accompaniment for sheer indulgence, the world's leading real book app, iReal B.
http://jazzmando.com/new/images/BT105.jpg
Recently, we acquired the new AirTurn Bluetooth page turner for hands free reading we first spotted at this year's winter NAMM show, and couldn't be happier. Scrolling back and forth for practice is as easy as the tap of a foot. The pedal is extremely quiet and communicates with the iPad (and other tablets or computers) through bluetooth technology. No fuss installing, we were up and running seconds out of the box after charging the unit.
Pricing seemed a little steep with it's $129.95 suggested retail, but you can probably do a little better than that (see link below). It comes with a USB connection for juicing up its rechargeable battery, and features no-slip traction to keep it from sliding around on a smooth floor or stage. We recommend the BT-105PK package with dual footswitches in order to move both forward and backwards.
From the website:
The AirTurn BT-105 is a wireless Bluetooth page turner that is operated by two ATFS-2 silent pedals for forwards and backwards page turns. Works with most document and presentation programs for Mac and PC, as well as a growing number of apps for the iPadand Android tablets.
The AirTurn BT-105 page turner and ATFS-2 pedals are proudly made in the U.S.A.
This AirTurn dual foot switch kit comes with the AirTurn BT-105 Bluetooth page turning transmitter, 2 ATFS-2 black silent foot switches that connect to the BT-105, the AirTurn non-slip pedal board, and a USB recharging cable. Fully assembled. The BT-105 Transceiver may be easily removed for use in other applications.

View Demo: The AirTurn BT-105 (http://youtu.be/bCOTw6jYFl8)

Purchase link: AirTurn BT-105PK (http://www.dietzemusiconline.com/products/AirTurn-Hands-Free-Page-Turner-for-iPad-8662.html)


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[MLT]

I have to agree with this review. I have been using the BT105 for about a year now and it is a great addition. I use it on stage during our orchestra performances. The sheet music reader app that I use (forScore) also allows me to make annotations to the music (dynamic changes or other notes) so I do not have to scan and rescan the music sheets as modifications need to be made.

Although pictured in the review, the BT105 does not come with an iPad Music stand or holder. This would be a separate purchase and can be specific (or require minor mod additions) based on the version of your iPad. These stands are also advantageous for performance in two ways, one is that they have the ability to easily rotate allowing you to change from portrait to landscape mode easily and quickly, and the overall foot print space is smaller as compared to many other music stands.

How the BT105 connects to your iPad is also important to note. Yes, it is Bluetooth and there are no wires but its connectivity to your iPad is that the BT105 attaches as an external keyboard (at least on the original iPad--i have not used it with a MAC or PC). What this means is that you could expereince very odd behavior and/or some lack of APP functionality. My experreince has been that if I forget to turn off my BT105 and turn on my keyboard that the behaviour of the keyboard becomes very erratic. Another conflict is that I am not able to utilize the editing/mark-up functionality of forScore when (any bluetooth keyboard) device is connected.

Even with these minor limitations I would, like JazzMando, recommend this device for practice as well as performance.