The software doesn't allow for the manual controls to be used while the router is powered on -- What I've done in the past when I've needed this function is to plug the router directly into a wall outlet and just turn it on while doing the manual operation. The connector on the router in your tool isn't something that you could just pick up at the hardware store though -- which would make it hard to make an extension cable to plug the router into the wall. The alternative would be to buy an off the shelf DeWalt 611 router and pop it into the handibot in place of the normal router -- plug it in and turn it on.